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Council expands U‑Visa certification policy to help immigrant victims, removes 10‑year limit
Summary
Montgomery County approved expedited Bill 26‑24 (Uplifting Victims and Immigrant Safety Act) to align U‑Visa certification with federal and state rules, remove a 10‑year time limit on qualifying crimes, and require policy consistency; council members said the change encourages reporting of violent crime and staff outlined training and safeguards.
The Montgomery County Council voted on Feb. 4 to approve expedited Bill 26‑24, known as the Uplifting Victims and Immigrant Safety Act, which revises county U‑Visa certification policy to remove an internal 10‑year limit on qualifying crimes and to ensure consistency with state and federal law.
Chair Katz said the bill’s purpose is to protect immigrant victims of violent crimes and those who assist law enforcement by removing barriers that can prevent them from seeking help. The Public Safety Committee had recommended approval with an amendment clarifying that county policy must not conflict with state law.
Ms. McCartney Greene, a staff member who helped lead the drafting, told the council that the U‑Visa certification process is one part of the federal application and that Montgomery County should align its local policy with existing federal guidance. She and other staff described training already implemented in the police department to handle U‑Visa requests and noted a specific division that reviews applications.
Council members raised questions about data sharing and whether providing information to federal authorities could put undocumented residents at risk. Ms. McCartney Greene said she could not speak for USCIS or federal agencies but noted that the local policy focuses on certification and that staff relied on existing resource guides.
Supporters argued that the policy change increases trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, encouraging victims to report crimes. Councilmember Glass and others cited data showing the county had 142 contacts with residents seeking U‑Visa help in 2024 and said removing arbitrary limits lets more victims receive assistance.
After members discussed training, staffing and confidentiality, the council approved the measure on a roll‑call vote; the clerk recorded individual ‘yes’ votes. Sponsors said the change aims to reduce fear of reporting violent crimes and to ensure consistent local practice with federal immigration statutes.
