Bill > SB553

This bill modifies Maryland's law regarding U Nonimmigrant Status certification for victims of criminal activity, making several key changes to help victims and their representatives obtain certification for immigration purposes. The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that a victim is helpful to law enforcement if they have not refused or failed to provide reasonably requested information and assistance, replacing the previous language about assisting law enforcement. It reduces the time frames for certifying entities to respond to certification requests from 90 to 30 days in standard cases, and from 14 to 7 days in cases involving potential removal proceedings. The bill clarifies that a current investigation, charges, prosecution, or conviction are not required to obtain certification, and allows certification withdrawal only if a victim or their representative refuses to provide requested information. Additionally, the bill requires certifying entities to develop protocols to assist petitioners with limited English proficiency, provides guidelines for information disclosure, and maintains liability protections for certifying entities acting in good faith. The changes aim to streamline the process for victims seeking U Nonimmigrant Status and provide clearer guidelines for certifying officials, with the law set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0553?ys=2025RS