HB21-1060 Passes—Improving Access to Justice for Survivors

Today, RMIAN celebrates the passage of the U Visa Certification Requirements Bill (HB21-1060) in the Colorado Senate! The bill already passed in the Colorado House of Representatives, and once signed by the Governor, will take effect September 1, 2021.  

In order to apply for a U visa—a pathway towards lawful permanent residency for immigrant survivors of crime—an individual must receive a certification from law enforcement verifying the person’s victimization and helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. Colorado victims have been subjected to inconsistent policies across the state, unfairly preventing them from applying for a U visa. HB21-1060 will ensure uniformity and fairness for U visa certification requests for crime victims across the state.

Lucia and her daughters are now safe from deportation and on a pathway to lawful permanent residency

HB21-1060 will help survivors like Lucia who suffered severe domestic violence at the hands of her former partner. With RMIAN’s help, Lucia received the required law enforcement certification in 2015 and she and her daughters were recently finally awarded U visas after six years. Lucia and her children are now safe from deportation and on a pathway to lawful permanent residency in the United States.

RMIAN expresses its deep appreciation to the bill’s sponsors, Representative Serena Gonzales Gutierrez, Representative Iman Jodeh, and Senator Julie Gonzales. RMIAN also extends immense gratitude to all the organizations, survivors, advocates, and individuals who supported this important legislation. RMIAN believes justice for immigrants means justice for all and looks forward to ensuring more equal access to justice for immigrant crime victims across our state.