Hohenstein announces advancement of U visa legislation

HARRISBURG, June 28 – State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., applauded the approval of his U visa bill by the PA House Judiciary Committee today.

“When you’re the victim of a crime, it shouldn’t matter what your current citizen status is. Every individual deserves compassion and support after a traumatic event,” said Hohenstein. “A U visa can provide safety, and a pathway to citizenship and legal employment for these victims of serious crimes. What we need is clear guidance for certifying agencies such as law enforcement, prosecutors and judges so that they can guarantee these victims’ rights to an expeditious and fair trial.”

Hohenstein’s bill would require officials to develop a publicly accessible protocol establishing requirements for certifying officials and agencies related to request processing timeframes, record keeping, language access, training and victim notification for U visa certification.

This legislation is supported by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape.

Video of the full committee voting meeting is available here.

More information is available by contacting Hohenstein’s office at 215-744-2600.

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