Bill
HR 8628
The bill would repeal the U-1 nonimmigrant visa for crime victims, eliminating eligibility, adjudication framework, and protections tied to U visa status.
HR 8628 — Summary of Key Provisions and Impact
Overview
- Title: To repeal section 101(a)(15)(U) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and for other purposes.
- Session/Jurisdiction: United States House of Representatives, 119th Congress.
- Purpose (as stated): Repeal the U-1 nonimmigrant visa category (the U visa) defined in §101(a)(15)(U) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The U visa provides nonimmigrant status to certain victims of crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement or government agencies in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.
- Introduced: April 30, 2026. Referred to the House Judiciary Committee on the same date.
- Sponsors: Co-sponsors include Rep. Chip Roy, Rep. Keith Self, and Rep. Eli Crane.
What the bill would do
- Repeal of U visa provisions: The bill would remove the statutory U nonimmigrant visa category (U-1) from the INA and associated authorizations, protections, and procedures tied to the U visa program.
- Consequent changes: By repealing the U visa framework, the bill would eliminate:
- The eligibility pathway for noncitizen victims of certain crimes to obtain nonimmigrant status in exchange for cooperation with law enforcement.
- The statutory framework for U visa adjudications, including any caps, eligibility criteria (crime types, victim status, cooperation requirement), and accompanying benefits such as work authorization for duration of status.
- Related protections, reporting vehicles, and any parallel programs tied to U visa status (subject to the bill’s text and any “and for other purposes” provisions).
Who would be affected
- Potential applicants: Individuals currently eligible for or seeking U nonimmigrant status as crime victims who cooperate with law enforcement, as well as those already granted U status who may face changes to their status, renewals, or pathways to lawful permanent residence (if applicable through successor provisions or reforms not explicitly in the bill’s text).
- Law enforcement and prosecutors: Agencies benefiting from victims’ cooperation under U visa provisions could experience changes in victim participation dynamics, reporting, and witness support structures.
- Immigration system: The removal of the U visa category would alter noncitizen protection pathways, potentially increasing the need to address domestic violence, trafficking, and crime victims through alternative programs or policies.
Key provisions and mechanics (as implied by the title)
- Repeal mechanism: The bill would amend the INA to eliminate Section 101(a)(15)(U) and related statutory language establishing the U visa category, its definitions, and its operational framework.
- Related statutory authorities: The bill would likely repeal or suspend related provisions that create or reference U status, including eligibility criteria, application processes, duration (U status typically can be granted for up to four years), work authorization, and any associated relief or avenues to adjustment of status.
- Administrative transition: The bill may require agencies to cease processing new U visa applications and address ongoing adjudications, though specific transition provisions would depend on the bill’s text.
Procedural or timeline aspects
- Current action: Referred to the House Judiciary Committee on April 30, 2026. No further actions listed in the provided history.
- Next steps: Committee consideration, potential markup, floor consideration in the House, and, if enacted, transmission to the Senate. Timelines would depend on legislative priorities and floor scheduling.
- Effective date: Not specified in the provided summary; typical enactment would follow the standard statutory publication and presidential signature process.
Substantive considerations
- Policy implications: Repeal of the U visa program would remove an existing tool to assist certain crime victims in cooperating with law enforcement, with potential effects on victim protection, crime reporting, and law enforcement cooperation. Critics may argue potential negative impacts on victims’ safety and crime deterrence; supporters may assert policy simplification or alignment with their immigration goals.
- Complementary measures: Any related reforms, alternatives, or replacement programs (if any) would be critical to assess fully, but would require the full bill text to specify.
Note: For a complete assessment, a full reading of the bill’s text is necessary to confirm precise language, definitions, transition provisions, and any additional "other purposes" provisions that may affect related immigration or criminal justice policies.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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