Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act of 2025
Impact
The implications of HB4817 are significant, as it would provide safety and legal protections for crime victims who may otherwise hesitate to report incidents due to their immigration status. By eliminating the cap on visas, the bill is designed to create an immigration environment that supports survivors in seeking justice without facing the threat of removal from the country. Additionally, the provision of work authorization during pending applications will help prevent survivors from feeling compelled to remain in abusive or compromising situations, thus improving their chances of recovery and integration into society.
Summary
House Bill 4817, known as the 'Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act of 2025', seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by eliminating the annual numerical limitations on specific visas, such as U visas for crime victims and special immigrant juvenile visas. The primary goal of this legislation is to enhance protections for immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes, ensuring they have access to critical assistance without the fear of deportation while their cases are adjudicated. Furthermore, the bill mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide work authorization to individuals with pending applications for nonimmigrant status, proactively addressing the needs of these vulnerable populations to ensure their self-sufficiency and security after victimization.
Contention
While proponents argue that HB4817 addresses crucial needs for immigrant victims, opposition may arise regarding concerns of security and the implications of offering more lenient immigration pathways. Critics could argue that removing numerical limits may lead to increased immigration pressures on the system or misuse of the provisions by individuals who may not genuinely seek protection. Discussions surrounding this bill are expected to involve a careful examination of the balance between protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring national security.
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the annual numerical limitation on visas for certain immigrants, to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant work authorization to certain immigrants with a pending application for nonimmigrant status under such Act, and for other purposes.
Border Security and Enforcement Act of 2023 Legal Workforce Act Immigration Parole Reform Act of 2023 Visa Overstays Penalties Act Protection of Children Act of 2023 Ensuring United Families at the Border Act Border Safety and Migrant Protection Act of 2023 Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act of 2023
Fund and Complete the Border Wall ActThis bill establishes funding for a U.S.-Mexico border barrier and revises how border patrol agents are compensated for overtime.The Department of the Treasury shall set up an account for funding the design, construction, and maintenance of the barrier. The funds in the account are appropriated only for that purpose and for vehicles and equipment for border patrol agents.For each fiscal year, financial assistance to a country shall be reduced by $2,000 for each citizen or national of that country apprehended for illegally entering the United States through its southern border. The reduced amount shall be transferred to the border barrier account. The Department of State may opt not to reduce amounts appropriated to Mexico for various military and law enforcement-related activities.This bill establishes a 5% fee on foreign remittance transfers and increases the fee for the arrival/departure I-94 form for various aliens entering the United States, with part of the fees going to the border barrier account.By December 31, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security shall (1) take all actions necessary, including constructing barriers, to prevent illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico barrier; and (2) achieve operational control over all U.S. international borders.The bill changes how border patrol agents receive overtime pay when working up to 100 hours in a two-week period. For hours worked above 80, an agent shall receive at least 150% of the agent's regular hourly rate.