Overview

• Representative Jimmy Panetta reintroduced the Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act on July 31, marking his fifth attempt to advance the legislation since 2017.
• The bill would lift nationwide caps on U visas for crime victims and T visas for trafficking survivors, bar deportation or detention while applications are pending, and establish automatic work permit deadlines.
• San José Mayor Matt Mahan and Bay Area law enforcement leaders say the proposal would reduce fear of deportation and encourage immigrant witnesses to report crimes.
• Santa Clara County officials report a 50 percent increase in U visa applications over five years, with nearly half filed by women who experienced sexual assault or domestic violence.
• The measure now faces an uncertain path in a Republican-controlled Congress under President Trump despite broad local backing.