Department: Justice Administration Department
Department Head/Elected Official: Dr. Ana Y??ez Correa
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Policy
Project ID (if applicable):
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MWDBE Participation (if applicable):
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request for discussion and approval of the Harris County U-Visa certification model policy.
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Background and Discussion:
On November 10, 2020, Commissioners Court approved a motion made by Commissioner Adrian Garcia instructing the Justice Administration Department (JAD) to produce a model policy for law enforcement agencies to use when processing Form I-918B (i.e., U-Visa certification) requests and promoting said procedure to local law enforcement agencies. On March 30, 2021, a model policy and report were presented to Commissioners Court. During that Court, JAD was instructed to meet with advocates to get their feedback to the policy and make changes to the policy incorporating this feedback. JAD has updated the U-Visa Report and the Model U-Visa Policy following meetings with victim service advocates to receive their feedback and ensure Harris County's approach is survivor-centered.
Expected Impact:
If the policy is approved as the Harris County U Visa Certification Model Policy, this can perhaps provide more consistency within the County around U-Visa certification. Harris County agencies could adopt this more survivor-centered policy for the completion of Form I-918B.
By approving this policy, Commissioners Court will show their commitment to Harris County residents who are immigrant survivors of crime and to make the U-Visa certification process better within the County.
Additionally, establishing a model policy would increase efficiency in data collection and allow JAD to begin collecting the necessary data to establish a county-specific U-Visa data dashboard.
Alternative Options:
Not to adopt the policy (and keep...
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