A state proposal called the “Immigrant Rights Act” was introduced on Monday by Congressman Miguel Santiago, Los Angeles attorney George Gascón and Supervisor Hilda Solis, along with representatives of immigrant groups.
AB 1261 (Santiago, 2023) aims to “encourage undocumented Californians who are survivors and witnesses of crimes to report them, protecting them from deportation,” the statement said.
Among the crimes included in the proposal are harassment, extortion and domestic violence, among others.
“California people shouldn’t lose their livelihoods just because they reported a crime,” said Rep. Santiago. “With AB 1261, we not only have the opportunity to reduce crime, but also to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community. All Californians, regardless of immigration status, deserve to feel safe participating in our legal system.”
According to data presented at Monday’s press conference, “83% of the times that undocumented migrants are victims of a crime, they do not report it”.
Prosecutor Gascón said that “too often victims of undocumented crimes and witnesses to crimes are afraid to report them because they fear deportation. Your immigration status should never be an obstacle to security.
For their part, organizations that represent immigrants have announced that the law will speed up the process for immigrants who are victims of crimes such as domestic violence or human trafficking to obtain U- or T-type visas. However, people must have a certificate from a law enforcement officer. agency to start the process.
“AB1261 removes barriers for undocumented crime victims who need these certifications and allows them to seek help without fear of deportation,” said Connie Chung Joe, executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California ( AJSOCAL).
If the bill is approved in California, it would create rules or regulations for “S visa procedures and to clarify U and T visa procedures.”