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Council hears broad support for U-visa policy change to remove 10-year limit and align with federal law
Summary
Testimony at the Jan. 14 hearing backed expedited Bill 26-24, which would require county policy on U-visa certification to be no more restrictive than federal law and remove a local 10-year limitation; police and advocacy groups urged passage to protect crime victims and encourage reporting.
Montgomery County heard testimony Jan. 14 on expedited Bill 26-24, the U Visa Uplifting Victims and Immigrant Safety Act. The measure would require county policy directives concerning U-visa law enforcement certification to be consistent with federal immigration law and remove local restrictions such as a 10-year filing limitation.
Assistant Chief Nicholas Augustine of the Montgomery County Police Department said the department supports the bill and described recent internal policy changes: "In 2024, Montgomery County Police received applications for 142 U visa certifications. Sixty-nine applications were certified, 64 were denied," he told the council and noted the department removed a 10-year felony limitation on Dec. 11, 2024. He added that the department will continue working with the council as the legislation moves forward.
Immigrant-rights and legal-services groups, including CASA and HIAS, encouraged passage. "By removing the arbitrary 10 year statute of limitations on U visa certifications, it will help ensure that immigrants who have been victimized and supported our local law enforcement are able to continue to come forth and provide such support without fear of deportation," said Alice Barrett, supervising immigration attorney with CASA.
Advocacy groups focused on public-safety and equity arguments: Deborah Miller of the Jewish Community Relations Council said the bill would strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking and help maintain community trust. Acts by partner organizations and local service providers, such as the County Family Justice Center, were cited as evidence that the county already relies on U-visa pathways to help victims.
Some testimony urged careful drafting of final language to avoid unintended constraints on future county policy. The League of Women Voters, testifying virtually, supported aligning county guidance with federal law but recommended removing a clause (C2) that it said could unduly limit the county’s flexibility if federal standards change.
The hearing closed after people from law enforcement, immigrant services organizations and survivors urged prompt local action to remove local limitations that can discourage victims from cooperating with police. No final council vote was taken during the Jan. 14 session; staff and sponsors indicated the ordinance would move through the Public Safety Committee in coming days.
