HI SCR47

Urges the Department of Law Enforcement to develop and implement a U visa certification policy to allow immigrant victims of crimes to report incidents without fear of deportation.

Requires the Department of Law Enforcement to submit an interim report on U visa certification policy development, including proposed legislation, by twenty days prior to the 2025 Regular Session.

Requires the Department of Law Enforcement to submit a final implementation report on the U visa policy, including proposed legislation, by twenty days prior to the 2026 Regular Session.

U visa certification verifies that a qualifying criminal activity occurred and that the victim assisted or will assist law enforcement in investigation or prosecution of the crime before the victim can apply for federal immigration benefits.

References the federal Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act of 2000 and notes that Hawaii currently lacks a state U visa certification policy, unlike some other jurisdictions such as Orange County, California.