Virginia bill SB 1468 was signed into law by Governor Ralph Northam on March 31, 2021, and effective beginning July 1, 2021. This bill provides immigrant crime victims with clarity regarding the process for requesting a U visa certification form from local and Virginia state law enforcement agencies. It provides time restraints on law enforcement responses to certification requests and provides certification seekers with a remedy in state court for a wrongfully denied request. State Bill No. 1468
Topic: Law Enforcement
Materials regarding criminal justice.
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[pdf] Training Materials for Law Enforcement and Prosecutors (October 29, 2024) (+)
NIWAP’s list of training materials and webinars for law enforcement and prosecutors to support their work with immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, child abuse, elder abuse and human trafficking.
[pdf] Victim Witness Resource-Victim Intimidation Brochure (English) (June 11, 2024) (+)
This one-page brochure explains how abusers may intimidate victims while their legal case is in progress.
[pdf] Why Using an Interpreter is Beneficial to Law Enforcement (August 21, 2016) (+)
This document outlines the benefits to law enforcement officers of identifying LEP persons language access needs at crime scenes and during criminal investigations. These benefits include improving officer and crime scene safety, improving the likelihood of a successful prosecution, and ensuring that officers fully capture helpful statements from victims and witnesses.
[pdf] Training Materials for Victim Advocates and Attorneys (11.28.23) (+)
Training materials for family lawyers, prosecutors, and state family, civil and criminal court judges assisting immigrant crime victims Topics include: U visas, T visas, Family Law cases, VAWA Self-Petitions, VAWA Confidentiality, Public Benefits, Best Practices, Language Access, Webinars, Podcasts and more.
[pdf] Gabriel Perez Cruz v. Barr, U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit (July 2 2020) (+)
Gabriel Perez Cruz v. Barr (2020) U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit. NIWAP assisted the Family Violence Appellate Project in California in developing, securing social science support for and national sign ons from 16 organizations nationally for this 9th Circuit Amicus Brief in which we were represented by Haney and Boone LLP. The brief discussed the mental health impact of domestic violence and coercive control in abusive relationships and perpetrators who coerce their victims into committing crimes, and the need for courts to consider these factors when adjudicating a domestic violence victim’s withholding of removal claims and particularly whether they crime they committed was a “particularly serious crime.” (July 2 2020).
[pdf] Technical Assistance and Training Flyer – Law Enforcement and Prosecutors (August 17, 2023) (+)
This set of flyers advertises the availability of training on language access, and U and T visa certification by law enforcement and prosecutors and working with immigrant and LEP victims. The second page of this set of flyers advertise the training and technical assistance offered by NIWAP, American University, Washington College of Law to courts, judges, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, victim advocates, and attorneys working in family law, domestic violence, immigration and legal services agencies covering a wide range of topics that are important to professionals who encounter immigrant crime victims and immigrant children in their work. Trainings are designed to meet the needs of the local jurisdiction or state requesting the training and involve both NIWAP staff and a national team of experts, law enforcement, prosecutor and judicial trainers. The first page of this flyer summarizes special training offered to law enforcement officials, prosecutors and their agency’s victim witness staff. The second discusses the full list of training and technical assistance open to all professionals working with immigrant survivors and the last flyer discusses the trainings NIWAP offers for judges and court staff.
[pdf] Technical Assistance and Training on Legal Rights of Immigrant Crime Victims (August 17, 2023) (+)
This set of flyers advertise the training and technical assistance offered by NIWAP, American University, Washington College of Law to courts, judges, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, victim advocates, and attorneys working in family law, domestic violence, immigration and legal services agencies covering a wide range of topics that are important to professionals who encounter immigrant crime victims and immigrant children in their work. Trainings are designed to meet the needs of the local jurisdiction or state requesting the training and involve both NIWAP staff and a national team of experts, law enforcement, prosecutor and judicial trainers. The first page of this flyer summarizes the topics of technical assistance and training offered. This page is followed by flyers aimed at trainings for law enforcement officers, prosecutors and their victim witness staff and trainings NIWAP offers for judges and court staff.
[pdf] Workshop 1A – PowerPoint Presentation (August 2023) (+)
[pdf] Chapter 10: U Visas: Victims of Criminal Activity (August 8, 2023) (+)
Chapter from “Empowering Survivors: Legal Rights of Immigrant Victims of Sexual Assault” to assist advocates and attorneys in identifying sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crime victims who may be eligible for U-visa immigration status and to provide resources to help advocates and attorneys work together to prepare U-visa applications for immigrant crime victims.
[pdf] Relevancy of a Victim’s Immigration Status in State Criminal Court Proceedings (August 24, 2022) (+)
This publication provides prosecutors with case law and statutory analysis regarding when and under what circumstances a victim’s immigration status is considered relevant or irrelevant in a criminal case. It looks at how courts across the country handle evidence of a victim’s immigration status generally, addresses how courts treat a witness’s immigration status evidence in criminal proceedings, in particular, and offers prosecutors strategies and useful resources.
[pdf] Ulster County In-Service Training PowerPoint Presentation (May 2, 2022) (+)
[pdf] U Visa Certifications, T visa Declarations, and Continued Presence: Range of Potential Certifiers at the Local, State, and Federal Government Levels (December 30, 2021) (+)
This publication explores the range of potential certifiers whom judges should be aware of who can sign U visa and T visa certification in the court’s jurisdiction with whom the court can play a leadership role in encouraging certification by all authorized agencies. This helps attorneys and advocates working with immigrant victims identify the full range of authorized certifiers in any particular case to whom they can turn for certification. This document connects readers to training manuals for judges, law enforcement, prosecutors and Adult Protective Services agency staff that provide an overview of the U and T visa programs and detailed questions and answers for certifying agencies, and for judges who want to learn more about U and T visa certification. Additionally, this publication describes the availability of continued presence as an important option for immigrant victims of human trafficking offering protection soon after a trafficking victim has been identified that is available to human trafficking victims who could be potential witnesses in trafficking investigations or prosecutions. This document provides links to DHS publications on these subjects.
[pdf] Collection of U-Visa News Articles (November 7, 2017) (+)
A list of news articles intended as references to assist law enforcement, prosecutors, judges and other U visa certifiers to better understand the U visa program and their role as U-visa certifiers.
[pdf] Setting the stage for Sucess: Jury Selection for Cases Involving Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence (+)
Training presentation, Sept. 10, 2021: “Setting the Stage for Success: Jury Selection for Cases involving Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking”
[pdf] Sample Voir Dire Questions 1 (+)
These are sample voir dire questions for assisting when selecting a jury for a case with immigrant victims of crime.
[pdf] Sample Voir Dire Questions on Immigration Issues (+)
These are sample voir dire questions for assisting when selecting a jury for a case with immigrant victims of crime.
[pdf] Sample Voir Dire Questions 2 (+)
These are sample voir dire questions for assisting when selecting a jury for a case with immigrant victims of crime.
[pdf] U Visa Quick-Reference for Law Enforcement and Prosecutors (March 24, 2021) (+)
Part of the U Visa Certification Toolkit for Law Enforcement and Prosecutors. This quick reference guide assists law enforcement and prosecutors summarizing the U visa certification and is based on the DHS U and T Certification Resource Guide.
[pdf] Training Bulletin: Improving Crime Fighting Outcomes in Cases of Immigrant Victims (+)
The End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI), in collaboration with NIWAP, published a Training Bulletin. Congress created several forms of humanitarian immigration relief to assist law enforcement agencies in building trust with, protecting and assisting immigrant and LEP crime victims in communities across the country. This immigration relief prevents perpetrators of high recidivism crimes including […]
[pdf] Carzola v. Koch Order on U-visa discovery (March 20, 2018) (+)
This document is for educational use only. This case found that Allowing U visa discovery from the claimants themselves in this high-profile case will undermine the spirit, if not the letter, of those Congressionally sanctioned assurances and may sow confusion over when and how U visa information may be disclosed, deterring immigrant victims of abuse–many […]
[pdf] Sample Designee Letter – Pdf (+)
Sample letter to be signed by the head of a government agency signing U visa certifications in which the head of the agency specifies the positions or names of supervisory staff to whom the head of the agency is delegating U visa signing authority. This sample form can be used by Police Chief, Sheriff, Prosecutor, District Attorney, head of child or adult protective services agency or other government agency head. This sample is provided in word and should be transferred to department or agency stationary. It is recommended that when the authority signing U visa certifications for the agency is not the head of the agency that a copy of the designation letter be provided to the immigrant crime victim along with the U visa certification form.
[pdf] Glossary of Terms (November 15, 2017) (+)
This glossary includes descriptions of the most commonly used immigration terms that police officers may encounter when working with immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other U-visa listed criminal activities.
[pdf] Community Policing Breaking Down Barriers – Michael LaRiviere (Sheriff & Deputy Magazine) (+)
Article “Breaking Down Barriers” by Michael LaRiviere, published at the Sheriff and Deputy Magazine, Vol. 7, issue 5. The article points out that sheriffs must work with immigrant communities and sign U visa certifications to ensure that crimes against the undocumented don’t go unreported.
[pdf] The U Visa as a Crime-Fighting Tool Webinar Presentation 10.20.2020 (+)
This presentation educates prosecutors and law enforcement officials on how they can identify victims who qualify for the U and T visa as well as utilize immigration relief to hold offenders accountable. This presentation outlines how prosecutors can enhance victim, community, and officer safety by combatting domestic, sexual violence, and stalking. This presentation displays how […]
[pdf] National Survey of Service Providers on Police Response to Immigrant Crime Victims, U Visa Certification and Language Access (April 16, 2013) (+)
This report explores police responses to immigrant victims of crime from the perspectives of various service providers, including legal services, pro bono attorneys, social service organizations, domestic violence/sexual assault programs, law enforcement and prosecutors’ offices. The data presented are based on the results of a nationwide survey of organizations serving immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. We assess the effect that a history of ongoing collaboration between victim and legal services agencies and law enforcement has on U Visa certification practices and language access to the justice system. The paper also examines the experiences of working with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) clients and language access in the field and during legal procedures. A key focus of this paper is to identify factors that support improved access to culturally and linguistically appropriate resources and services, including the identification of systemic barriers that impede access.
[pdf] Missouri Prosecutor Language Access Webinar PowerPoint (+)
This webinar was specifically tailored to a prosecutor audience in Missouri. It discusses language access requirements under Title VI and the American Disabilities Act as well as how to improve investigations and prosecutions by using language access tools. The goal of the presentation is to equip prosecutors with tools to enhance victim safety and participation […]
[pdf] Summit and Lorain Counties Project for Limited English Proficient Persons (+)
This document includes model policies and procedures for law enforcement officers to serve and protect limited English proficient persons. It was published by Summit and Lorain Counties in Ohio as a resource for law enforcement regarding interpretation and translation services.
November 21, 2019: In Accordance with the Law: When Your Victim Witness Speaks Limited English (Webinar)
NIWAP hosted this webinar on Thursday, November 21, 2019, from 11:30am-1:00pm (Eastern). This webinar outlines language access requirements under Title VI and the American Disabilities Act. With the help of NIWAP’s faculty experts, the webinar discusses best practices and language access plans that enhance Limited English Proficiency (LEP) victims’ safety and participation in the criminal […]
[pdf] LaRiviere Article Response (+)
[pdf] U-Visa: “Helpfulness” Checklist (+)
This checklist has been developed to assist police, prosecutors, judges, commissioners, magistrates and other U visa certifying officials in identifying the wide range of ways an immigrant crime victim can provide helpfulness to justice system officials and government agencies in detection, investigation, prosecution, conviction or sentencing of U visa listed criminal activity. The document includes citations to U.S. Department of Homeland Security policies, regulations, guidance and training materials on U visa certification and helpfulness. A national team of law enforcement, prosecutors and judicial trainers with expertise and experience on the U visa contributed to the development of the list of examples of helpfulness included in this document based on their experience and expertise.
September 25, 2024: Webinar: Overcoming Language Barriers in Policing: Grants and Resources that Support Language Access Programs in Law Enforcement Agencies
PowerPoint Presentation Description Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) often face language barriers when communicating with individuals or communities who are limited English proficient, or LEP. Accurate and reliable translation and interpretation services are necessary for public safety but can feel costly if resources are not appropriately allocated. This webinar is focused on resources and tools that […]
[pdf] U-Visa Application Victim Flow Chart (+)
U-visa Application Victim Flow Chart to determine eligibility
[pdf] On Their Own (+)
This article by Laura Villagran for Searchlight New Mexico on the dangers immigrant victims of domestic violence face when coming forward and pursuing immigration relief for victims of crime.
*Training Materials: Law Enforcement and Prosecutors (Last Updated – August 11, 2024)
If you are a law enforcement officer, prosecutor, or a victim advocate or other staff working for a law enforcement or prosecution agency and are working with immigrant victims and you would like to receive case specific technical assistance on immigration protections for immigrant survivors of domestic and sexual violence victims and their children, please […]
[pdf] Quick Reference Guide for Prosecutors – U Visa and VAWA Confidentiality Related Case Law (+)
A tool to assist prosecutors during trials when defense counsel is attempting to either discover VAWA confidentiality protected information about an immigrant crime victim’s application for immigration relief or is attempting to impugn the credibility of the victim or an immigrant witness by raising their immigration status.
[pdf] St Paul Prosecutors Powerpoint (June 24, 2019) (+)
This Powerpoint corresponds to the training in St. Paul, MN on June 24, 2019 for prosecutors. The presentation covers the intent and basic requirements for the U-visa and aims to enhance victim and community safety and hold offenders accountable by using immigration relief as a crime fighting tool. The content also includes training on how […]
[pdf] St Paul Law Enforcement Powerpoint (June 24, 2019) (+)
This Powerpoint corresponds to the training in St. Paul, MN on June 24, 2019 for law enforcement. The presentation covers how investigations can be improved using language tools, how to hold officers more accountable by using the U Visa certification process as a crime fighting tool, enhance victim safety and participation in the criminal justice […]
*State U and T Visa Certification Laws
State Certification Laws Arkansas: U Visa Certification Law (2015) Link: https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/arkansas-u-visa-certification-law-2015 California: U Visa Certification Law (2016)- Statute and Fact Sheet Link: https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/california-2023-ab1261-chapter-679/ Colorado: U Visa Certification Law (2021) Link: https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/colorado-u-visa-cert/ Connecticut: U Visa Certification Law (2014) Link: https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/connecticut-u-visa-statutes-2014/ Delaware: U Visa Certification Law (2014) Link: https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/11-del-c-787-u-visa-cert/ Illinois: U Visa Certification Law (2017) Link: https://niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu/pubs/il-u-visa-cert-law […]
[pdf] Language Identification Card “I speak…” (May 2019) (+)
This language identification guide is a tool for law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies to identify the language of individuals they encounter who do not speak English. I Speak was adapted by Raksha, Inc and Tapestri, Inc through a grant with Dekalb Magistrate’s Court’s Compliance Court Project. It is based on the I Speak booklet created by a partnership effort of the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Ohio Criminal Justice Service. This adaptation of the I speak guide contains the many more languages than other versions of this important I speak tool. (May 2019)
[pdf] VAWA Confidentiality and Criminal Cases: How Prosecutors Should Respond to Discovery Attempts for Protected Information (July 24, 2017) (+)
This tool for prosecutors discusses best practices for prosecutors in responding to discovery requests from criminal defendants requesting information contained in the victim’s immigration case. The case could be a U visa, a VAWA self-petition or a T visa case and the discovery obligations turn on federal statutory VAWA confidentiality requirements and what is in the prosecutors possession. Generally only in U visas is the certification discoverable and not the full U visa case file. In other cases where there has been no certification, no part of the victim’s immigration case file would be discoverable.
[pdf] VAWA Confidentiality and Criminal Cases: How Prosecutors Should Respond to Discovery Attempts for Protected Information (+)
This tool for prosecutors discusses best practices for prosecutors in responding to discovery requests from criminal defendants requesting information contained in the victim’s immigration case. The case could be a U visa, a VAWA self-petition or a T visa case and the discovery obligations turn on federal statutory VAWA confidentiality requirements and what is in the prosecutors possession. Generally only in U visas is the certification discoverable and not the full U visa case file. In other cases where there has been no certification, no part of the victim’s immigration case file would be discoverable.
[pdf] Immigration Options for Victims of Crimes (+)
Produced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security covering Violence Against Women Act self-petitions, U visas and T visas. Information on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals has been added by the National Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project, American University, Washington College of Law. Downloadable one page (two sided brochure) available in English, Spanish, Russian, Korean, and Chinese.
[pdf] Certifying-Early – U Visa Certification by Prosecutors (+)
[pdf] What’s Immigration Status Got To Do With It? Prosecution Strategies for Cases Involving Undocumented Victims (7.24.17) (+)
[pdf] John Morton, DHS Memo Prosecutorial Discretion: Certain Victims, Witnesses and Plaintiffs (June 17 2011) (+)
This memorandum sets forth agency policy regarding the exercise of prosecutorial discretion in removal cases involving the victims and witnesses of crime, including domestic violence, and individuals involved in non-frivolous efforts related to the protection of their civil rights and liberties. In these cases, ICE officers, special agents, and attorneys should exercise all appropriate prosecutorial discretion to minimize any effect that immigration enforcement may have on the willingness and ability of victims, witnesses, and plaintiffs to call police and pursue justice. This memorandum builds on prior guidance on the handling of cases involving T and U visas and the exercise of prosecutorial discretion.
[pdf] Immigration Rights of Victims of Human Trafficking (+)
Short card on immigration rights of victims of human trafficking.
[pdf] DHS Immigration Relief for Crime Victims (+)
Produced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security covering Violence Against Women Act self-petitions, U visas and T visas. Information on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals has been added by the National Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project, American University, Washington College of Law. Downloadable one page (two sided brochure) available in English, Spanish, Russian, Korean, and Chinese.
[pdf] Police Executive Research Forum Article – U Visas and the Role of Local Police In Preventing and Investigating Crimes Against Immigrants (June – August 2017) (+)
Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) article highlighting importance of U-Visa in aiding and protecting immigrant communities by local police.
[pdf] Flyer Offering Training on Best Practices: Immigrant Crime Victims, Language Access and the U-Visa (June 14, 2019) (+)
Flyer advertising the availability of training on language access, and U and T visa certification by law enforcement and prosecutors and working with immigrant and LEP victims. The reverse side of the flyer contains information about the technical assistance available to law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, attorneys and other professionals working with immigrant crime victims.
[pdf] IACP – Support for Education and Awareness on U Visa Certifications and T Visa Declarations (+)
This document is the resolution “Support for Education and Awareness on U Visa Certifications and T Visa Declarations” which was adopted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in 2018.
[pdf] International Association of Chiefs of Police 2018 Resolutions (Nov 2018) (+)
This document includes the 2018 resolutions adopted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (November 2018).
[pdf] U Visa Case Scenarios Faculty Sheet (+)
*U and T Visa Toolkit for Law Enforcement Agencies and Prosecutors
U visa Certification and T Visa Declaration Toolkit for Law Enforcement Agencies and Prosecutors (August 30, 2021) By providing U‐visa certifications and T visa declarations law enforcement and prosecution officials add to their arsenal of crime fighting tools when immigrant victims feel safer coming forward to report crimes. This document provides the following background information […]
*Pro Bono Training Institute “U Visa” Training Module
Pro Bono Training Institute “U Visa” Training Module In collaboration with the Pro Bono Training Institute, NIWAP has created online training modules to assist individuals and attorneys with filing U Visa applications. You will need to register for a free PBTI account to complete the module. Curriculum U Visa Introduction U Visa Requirements U Visa […]
*Pro Bono Institute “Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Self-Petition” Training Module
Pro Bono Institute “Violence Against Women Act” Training Module In collaboration with the Pro Bono Training Institute, NIWAP has created online training modules to assist individuals and attorneys with applying for VAWA Self-Petitions. You will need to register for a free PBTI account to complete the module. Curriculum Basics of VAWA Relief & Working with […]
[pdf] Overcoming Fear and Building Trust With Immigrant Communities and Crime Victims (Police Chief Magazine April 2018) (+)
This article in Police Chief Magazine discusses the benefits of U and T visa certification programs for law enforcement, reports results from a 2017 survey of law enforcement officers regarding their experiences of working with immigrant crime victims in 2016 and 2017 and based on the findings makes recommendations regarding adopting U visa and T visa certification practices and policies, language access plans, training law enforcement officers on U and T visa certification and receiving technical assistance from law enforcement officials who are national experts.
*Training Materials: Prosecutors (Last Updated – April 11, 2023)
If you are a law enforcement officer, prosecutor, or a victim advocate or other staff working for a law enforcement or prosecution agency and are working with immigrant victims and you would like to receive case specific technical assistance on immigration protections for immigrant survivors of domestic and sexual violence victims and their children, please […]
[pdf] San Francisco Superior Court Civil Division U-Visa Certification Protocol 10-27-17 (+)
This U-Visa Certification Protocol adopted by the Superior Court of California, San Francisco County for the Civil Division is a model that can be adopted by courts across the country. The policy cites and is fully consistent with DHS policies, regulations and publications on U visa certification.
*Training Tools for Prosecutors on the U Visa, VAWA and Criminal Court Discovery (June 2023)
AEquitas, The Prosecutor’s Resource on Violence Against Women and the National Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Center, American University, Washington College of Law have created tools for prosecutors working on cases involving immigrant crime victims. The development of these tools was funded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. What’s Immigration Status Got […]
[pdf] Chapter 3.1: What’s Immigration Status Got to Do with It? Prosecution Strategies for Cases Involving Undocumented Victims (+)
[pdf] Chapter 3.2: Certifying Early: When Should You Sign a U or T Visa Certification for a Victim? (+)
[pdf] Attorney General Guidelines for Victim Witness Assistance (2005) (+)
[pdf] Law Enforcement and Prosecution Best Practices: Immigrant Crime Victims, Language Access and the U Visa (+)
[pdf] Law Enforcement Materials for Advocacy in Action 2017 (+)
[pdf] Law Enforcement and Prosecution Best Practices: Immigrant Crime Victims, Language Access and the U Visa (Hawaii 3.17.17) (+)
March 17, 2017: Honolulu, HI “Best Practices: Immigrant Crime Victims, Language Access and the U and T Visa”
The law enforcement training covered the best practices and recommendations based on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations, policies and training materials on U and T visa certification and included a discussion of the benefits for law enforcement and prosecutors in following DHS’s recommendations for certification early in the case including in cases that are […]
[pdf] Coverage for Forensic Costs for Undocumented Immigrants_2.16.17.NewMexico (+)
New Mexico Forensic Exam Chart
[pdf] Coverage for Forensic Costs for Undocumented Immigrants_2.16.17.Hawaii (+)
Hawaii Chart Forensic
[pdf] Utilizing VAWA Confidentiality Protections in Family and Criminal Court Cases (February 17, 2017) (+)
Chapter of a publication on issues that arise in family court cases involving immigrant crime victims pending publication. This chapter discusses VAWA confidentiality protections and their impact in state court proceedings. While the emphasis of the article is on family court cases, the discussion is also useful in criminal court cases. This article discusses the Hawke, Demaj and Koch cases on VAWA confidentiality.
[pdf] Blue Campaign: Make the Connection. Close the Case. (+)
USICIS victim support factsheet on supporting and stabilizing victims to enable case investigation and prosecutions for law enforcement, first responders, and healthcare professionals.
[pdf] Blue Campaign: What Can You Do? (LEA, First Responders, Healthcare Professionals) (+)
USICIS factsheet on identifying victims and reporting suspected cases of human trafficking for law enforcement, first responders, and healthcare professionals.
[pdf] Blue Campaign: Information for Law Enforcement Officials – Immigration Relief for Victims of Human Trafficking and Other Crimes (+)
Information about the forms of immigration relief and the distinct roles that HSI, USCIS, and law enforcement officials play in assisting victims of human trafficking and other crimes.
[pdf] Blue Campaign: Human Trafficking 101 (+)
USCIS factsheet on human trafficking and risk factors
[pdf] Blue Campaign: Human Trafficking 101 for School Administrators and Staff (+)
USCIS factsheet on human trafficking and risk factors for school administrators and staff.
[pdf] Operation U Visa PowerPoint (PDF) (+)
Operation U Visa PowerPoint (PDF)
[pdf] Road Map to Safer Communities PowerPoint (PDF) (+)
Road Map to Safer Communities PowerPoint (PDF)
[pdf] How the Justice System can Respond to Intersections of Immigration Status, Gender, and Culture (Powerpoint PDF) (+)
How the Justice System can Respond to Intersections of Immigration Status, Gender, and Culture (Powerpoint PDF)
*Out of the Shadows (DHS Blue Campaign PSA)
This PSA was developed by the Department of Homeland Security for its Blue Campaign, which fights human trafficking. Please share widely! The link address is: https://youtu.be/yKQSXv5Efvg
[pdf] October 22, 2014: The Use of the U-Visa and Language Access to Improve Law Enforcement’s Work with Immigrant Victims: Law Enforcement and Community Safety Benefits (Bloomington, MN) (+)
Training for Rural Grantees Plenary for Praxis conference.
[pdf] Immigrant Crime Visas: Law Enforcement’s Tool to Strengthen Community Policing (+)
Webinar in collaboration with BWJP
[pdf] Streamlining Your Agency’s U Visa Policy and Practice (+)
“Streamlining Your Agency’s U Visa Policy and Practice.” A powerpoint from the third law enforcement and u visa roundtable webinar
[pdf] Protecting Our Communities and Officer Safety (+)
An article in the National Sheriff’s Association’s Sheriff and Deputy magazine, published in the 2016 Annual Conference and Exhibition Expo. Volume 68, Issue 3.
[pdf] Slides from LEA Roundtable Session 2 (April 28, 2016) (+)
These slides were presented by Officer Michael LaRiviere of the Salem, MA Police Department and Sergeant Inspector Antonio Flores of the San Francisco Police Department during the second session of the Law Enforcement & Prosecution Monthly U Visa Roundtable on April 28, 2016.
Law Enforcement & Prosecution Monthly U Visa Roundtable
These monthly calls, sponsored by NIWAP in partnership with the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), are led by NIWAP’s national faculty of law enforcement officers and prosecutors, who are experts on U visa certifications and language access, and who provide live technical assistance on U visa and/or language access questions participants may have. You […]
[pdf] Slides from LEA Roundtable Session 1 (March 24, 2016) (+)
These slides were presented by Officer Michael LaRiviere of the Salem, MA Police Department and Detective Stacey Ivie of the Alexandria, VA Police Department during the first session of the Law Enforcement & Prosecution Monthly U Visa Roundtable on March 24, 2016.
[pdf] Slides from Trauma Informed Interviewing of Immigrant Sexual Assault Survivors: For Law Enforcement, Advocates and Family Law Attorneys (+)
These slides were presented by Bill Tamayo, Mary Ann Dutton and Shelli Sonnenberg at the Community of Responders: A Holistic Approach to Working with Immigrant Survivors of Abuse in New Orleans, LA on July 29, 2015.
[pdf] Slides from Plenary IV: Bridging the Gap Building Partnerships – How Law Enforcement and Advocates Can Work Together on U Visa Certifications (+)
These slides were presented by Michael LaRiviere, Rocio Molina and Aparna Bhattacharyya at the Community of Responders: A Holistic Approach to Working with Immigrant Survivors of Abuse in New Orleans, LA on July 30, 2015.
[pdf] U Visa LEP Training for LE and Prosecutors NSA 2016 (+)
This workshop was presented by Leslye E. Orloff and Officer Michael LaRiviere at the National Sheriff’s Association Winter 2016 Conference in Washington, D.C. The slides aim enhance officer, victim, and community safety using language access and certification programs including the U and T Visas.
[pdf] Law Enforcement and Prosecution Best Practices: Immigrant Crime Victims, Language Access and the U Visa Slides (NCVC Anaheim Training 2015) (+)
These slides were presented by Leslye E. Orloff and Officer Michael LaRiviere at the National Center for Victims of Crime 2015 Training Institute. The slides aim to educate law enforcement, prosecutors, and other victim service providers about their role in providing services to immigrant crime victims, including providing U visa certification and T visa endorsement.
[docx] SJI Training Material – Minnesota (+)
A handout of the material distributed in the judge’s training in Minnesota. Interest in this training arose as a result of our work with judges in Minnesota on U visa certification by judges. Leslye Orloff and Judge Lora Livingston presented at this training in December 2015. NIWAP worked with the Judicial Education Program Manager to identify which areas needed to be addressed and issues the judges were most interested in learning more about.
[pdf] DHS U and T Visa Law Enforcement Resource Guide Updated November 30, 2015 (+)
Updated November 30, 2015, the Department of Homeland Security published an updated resource guide to clarify and further explain the role of certifying agencies in the U and T visa application process. This guide addresses concerns, answers common questions, and provides accurate information on signing I-918B and I-914B forms for federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and other government agencies qualified to sign U visa certifications such as the EEOC, federal and state labor departments, adult and child protective services, and any other eligible agencies that have criminal, civil, or administrative investigative or prosecutorial authority. The guide provides information on what U and T visas are, discusses U visa qualifying criminal activities and severe forms of trafficking in persons, explains the standard for “helpfulness” and “reasonable request for assistance”, and has many more important tips and information about the U and T visa.
*Empowering Survivors Table of Contents
This is a comprehensive manual that provides information that will be useful to advocates, attorneys, justice, and social services professionals working with and assisting immigrant survivors of sexual assault. This manual will help advocates and professionals expand their knowledge and capacity to aid immigrant victims of sexual assault in accessing justice under federal and state civil, […]
*Breaking Barriers Table of Contents
Breaking Barriers is a comprehensive manual that provides information that will be useful to advocates, attorneys, justice, and social services professionals working with and assisting immigrant survivors of domestic and family violence. This Manual provides a detailed overview explanation of immigrant survivors’ legal rights under immigration, family, public benefits, and criminal laws and their rights to […]
[pdf] Building Trusting Relationships: A Guide for Advocates/Attorneys Working With Law Enforcement On U-Visa Certification Issues (+)
A flowchart of options for advocates and attorneys that seek to collaborate with LE on U-Visa certification cases. This flowchart describes how to build a trusting relationship as an advocate or attorney working with law enforcement on u-visa certification issues.
[pdf] Comparing Forms of Immigration Relief for Immigrant Victims of Crime (+)
This chart has been developed as a tool to help advocates, attorneys, judges, law enforcement and other professionals to promote a basic understanding of how various forms of immigration relief available to help immigrant crime victims and children differ. The chart compares eligibility requirements, access to employment authorization and lawful permanent residency, and the application process.
[pdf] U Visa Helpfulness Case Scenarios (+)
These scenarios serve as a training tool for police, prosecutors, judges, and other officials to assist in identifying and addressing issues that arise in accessing helpfulness for U visa certification purposes.
[pdf] Questions to Use for Crime Scene Identification of Limited English Proficient (LEP) (May 16, 2017) (+)
These are sample introductory questions that an officer can ask when meeting a person that is potentially LEP. They are based on scenarios that an officer will likely encounter during his or her patrol. The goal is to ask questions that are not related to information the officer may need to for a criminal case, that can build rapport with victims and witnesses and avoid yes/no questions helping officers assess the need for a qualified interpreter to help LEP persons communicate with law enforcement and promote accuracy of police reports and criminal investigations.
[pdf] Form I-914, Supplement B, Declaration (Certification) of Law Enforcement Officer for Victim of Trafficking in Persons (Januaryy 18, 2017) (+)
This form should be completed by Federal, State, or local enforcement authorities, prosecutors, judges or other government officials for victims applying for T visas under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, Public Law 106-386, as amended.
[pdf] Evidence Checklist for Immigrant Victims Applying for the Crime Victim Visa (+)
Under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (“VTVPA”), battered noncitizens and other crime victims may be eligible for a nonimmigrant visa, the U Visa. This form of relief, if granted, gives the applicant immediate legal status as a nonimmigrant and possible lawful permanent residence in the long-term. The following is a list of the requirements that must be met by an applicant, and some suggestions of evidence that may be offered to meet each requirement. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is required to consider “any credible evidence” in its adjudication of an applicant’s case. The suggested evidentiary documents in this memo are meant to be guidelines, and not exhaustive descriptions of the types of evidence that may be offered to support an application under the U Visa.