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119-hr-4817119th Congress

Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]

Introduced

Summary

Timely work authorization for immigrant crime victims would be expanded and paired with new protections from detention and removal while their applications for U, T, VAWA, Special Immigrant Juvenile status, or cancellation of removal are pending.

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  • Survivors and families: Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and other crimes would become eligible for employment authorization either when their relief is approved or 180 days after filing, whichever is earlier. The bill would also provide a stay of removal until there is a final denial after exhaustion of administrative and judicial review.
  • Special immigrant youth and U visa applicants: The bill would eliminate the annual numerical cap on U visas and remove yearly and some per-country limits that apply to Special Immigrant Juvenile visas, and it would align SVJ eligibility with expanded statutory categories.
  • Enforcement and privacy: The bill would create a presumption against detaining eligible victims that DHS must rebut with clear and convincing evidence. It would tighten penalties for disclosure of application information and require annual reporting to Congress on training, investigations opened, and their outcomes.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Work permits within 180 days for victims and SIJ

If you file for U or T status, VAWA self‑petition, Special Immigrant Juvenile status, or certain cancellation of removal, DHS would have to issue a work permit on the earlier of approval or within 180 days of filing. For cancellation of removal, DHS would have to issue it no later than 180 days after filing. This could help victims and youth earn income while cases are pending. The bill does not list an effective date.

Ends yearly caps for U visas and special immigrant juveniles

This bill would remove the yearly cap on U visas for crime victims. It would also exclude Special Immigrant Juveniles from overall and per‑country visa limits. That could let more eligible people get status and green cards faster. The bill does not list an effective date.

No deportation or detention while cases pending

People with pending or approved U, T, SIJ, VAWA, or certain related relief would not be removed until a final denial after all appeals. They would also be presumed eligible for release from detention. DHS would need clear and convincing, individualized proof to keep someone detained, and a pending criminal charge alone would not be enough. This would let covered people stay with family and attend court while their cases finish.

Stronger privacy for victim immigration files

Agencies would be barred from using or publishing your application information for reasons beyond deciding your case. Non‑authorized staff would not be allowed to see your file. Adults could waive these limits if everyone in the case agrees. Agencies would report each year to Congress on training and any misuse investigations.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4]

    WI • D

    Sponsored 7/29/2025

  • Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 9/24/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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