Public Safety Committee backs U Visa certification bill, adds amendment to reflect state law and misdemeanor concerns

The Montgomery County Council Public Safety Committee voted Jan. 27, 2025, to send Expedited Bill 26-24 — the U Visa Law Enforcement Certification Policy — to the full council with a favorable recommendation, voting 3-0 after adopting a staff amendment that clarifies how state law should inform qualifying offenses.

Legislative Attorney Lusine McCartney Greene told the committee the bill, introduced Jan. 14, would require a police policy directive on U visa certification to be consistent with and no more restrictive than federal immigration law. The bill attracted public support at a hearing: McCartney Greene said about nine speakers testified in favor.

Supporters said the bill aims to remove a local 10-year limitation that had prevented some applicants from qualifying for the federal U visa. A speaker who identified himself as a supporter and thanked MCPD said the department helped 142…