Recent Bill Signed by Governor Brown Helps Protect Immigrants Who are Victims of Crimes, Notes Henry Posada
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) October 22, 2015 -- According to an announcement made by the Office of the Governor, California Senate Bill 674, aimed at protecting immigrant victims of crimes, has recently been signed into law by Gov. Brown. Los Angeles immigration attorney Henry Posada explains that the law will make it easier for immigrants who have been victims of a qualifying crime such as domestic violence or felonious assault, and who have reported such crime to law enforcement and cooperated in the investigation, to apply for a special visa called a U-visa. He explains that this visa grants federal exemption from deportation and provides employment authorization for up to four years with the possibility of becoming a permanent resident after three years of obtaining U-visa status.
Mr. Posada explains that the intent of the U.S. Congress in providing immigrants with such protections was to encourage victims to report crimes and contribute to investigations regardless of their immigration status. However, prior to being granted a U-visa, the victim must submit a certification signed by a qualifying agency (which includes law enforcement) certifying that the victim was helpful in the investigation of the crime. This, he explains, is where many victims run into roadblocks, since many law enforcement agencies refuse to sign these certifications regardless of whether the victim was helpful in the investigation for the simple reason that it is not within their policy to do so. However, Mr. Posada states that this newly enacted law will help these victims get over this hurdle by requiring all certifying agencies (including local and state law enforcement) to sign certifications for U-visas for qualifying victims. This brings uniformity of enforcement statewide to local and state law enforcement agencies, a long awaited relief for those who would otherwise qualify for a U-visa.
According to Mr. Posada, this is a good example of sensible legislative reform that helps strengthen public safety by encouraging victims of crime to report it to law enforcement. Mr. Posada notes that this law is just one in a larger legislative package referred to as “Immigrants Shape California” that is designed to make life for immigrants in California more fair and just. While recent fiery rhetoric from certain presidential candidates has shown that not all Americans agree with this goal, the passage of this legislation demonstrates that there is still an incredibly strong showing of support for the immigrant community.
Mr. Posada has spent over a decade fighting for the legal rights of immigrants. He notes that by working with an experienced immigration attorney, many deserving people may solidify legal residency status for themselves and their families. Anyone interested in seeing exactly what Mr. Posada can do for their case can call the Law Offices of Henry A. Posada at (562) 904-9080, or visit the firm online at http://www.HPosadaLaw.com.
Michael Clauw, Cyberset Corp, +1 (818) 883-7277 Ext: 121, [email protected]
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