§ 22-01 Introduction.
RCNY § 22-01
In 2000, Congress passed the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act to encourage victims regardless of immigration status to report crimes and contribute to investigations and prosecutions and to support law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute crimes committed against immigrant victims. The law authorized U nonimmigrant status, which can be sought by immigrant victims of certain crimes who previously assisted, are currently assisting, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. U nonimmigrant status is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS"), and once granted it provides these victims with temporary nonimmigrant status so that they can remain in the United States while assisting law enforcement. To be eligible for U nonimmigrant status, immigrant victims must satisfy several federal statutory requirements, which include a completed law enforcement certification. Immigrant victims may apply for certifications on their own, and the assistance of an attorney is not required. Under the law, local law enforcement agencies, such as the New York City Police Department ("NYPD"), have the discretion to approve or deny a request for certification. Certifications issued by the NYPD are free of charge. The NYPD is committed to serving all communities in the City of New York, especially those vulnerable to victimization, and recognizes the value of completing certifications and supporting immigrant victims of crime who are helpful in investigations or prosecutions. (Added City Record 4/8/2016, eff. 5/8/2016)
