Bill > SB608

This bill modifies Maryland's legal provisions for U Nonimmigrant Status Petitions, which help certain crime victims obtain immigration relief. The bill expands the definition of "certifying entities" to include more types of agencies like child protective services and the Department of Labor, and broadens who can request certification for a victim, now allowing attorneys and victim advocates to do so. The bill reduces the timeframe for certifying entities to respond to certification requests from 90 to 45 days in standard cases, and from 14 to 7 days in cases involving potential deportation. It clarifies that a current investigation or conviction is not required to request certification, and removes previous language suggesting a statute of limitations for qualifying criminal activities. The bill requires certifying officials to provide a written explanation if they cannot or will not issue a certification, and mandates that certifying entities develop protocols to assist petitioners with limited English proficiency. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that completing a certification form does not guarantee immigration relief and serves only to verify factual information for federal immigration officials. The changes aim to make the U Nonimmigrant Status Petition process more accessible and supportive for crime victims seeking immigration assistance.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0608?ys=2025RS