U.S. Rep. Moore Joins Lawmakers Urging ICE to Protect Immigrant Victims

Key Takeaways

• U.S. Rep. Moore urges ICE to fully protect immigrant victims applying for T and U visas from deportation.
• ICE Directive 11005.3 pauses enforcement for applicants helping law enforcement, except in exceptional cases.
• Victims with pending applications should file petitions, notify ICE, cooperate, and await USCIS decisions.

In recent weeks, there has been a strong push in Congress to protect immigrants who are victims of serious crimes, especially those applying for T and U visas. This movement is led by U.S. Rep. Moore and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, who, along with other lawmakers, are urging U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to stop deporting these vulnerable individuals. Their efforts focus on making sure that ICE follows its own rules, which are meant to help victims of crimes like human trafficking, domestic violence, and other serious offenses. Here’s a detailed update on what has changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for people with pending applications.

Summary of What Changed

On July 11, 2025, U.S. Rep. Moore and Rep. Jayapal led a group of lawmakers in calling on ICE to strengthen protections for immigrant crime victims. They want ICE to fully follow its victim-centered policies, especially for those applying for T and U visas. These visas are designed to help victims of human trafficking and other serious crimes who are helping law enforcement. The lawmakers argue that if ICE does not protect these victims, many people will be too afraid to report crimes, which could make communities less safe.

This renewed push comes at a time when there are growing concerns that ICE enforcement actions—such as arrests and deportations—may scare victims away from coming forward. Lawmakers and advocates say this not only hurts immigrants but also makes it harder for police to solve crimes and keep everyone safe.

Who Is Affected

The main group affected by these changes includes:

• Immigrants who are victims of human trafficking or other serious crimes and are applying for T or U visas.
• People with pending or approved T or U visa applications who may be at risk of deportation.
• Law enforcement agencies that rely on the help of immigrant victims and witnesses to investigate and prosecute crimes.
• Immigrant families and communities who may feel safer if victims are protected from deportation.

Effective Dates

The current ICE policy, known as Directive 11005.3, was last updated in December 2021 and remains in effect as of July 2025. The recent congressional push led by U.S. Rep. Moore is not a new law, but it is a strong call for ICE to fully enforce its existing policies. Any future changes to the law or new rules would depend on further action by Congress or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Required Actions for Affected Individuals

If you are an immigrant crime victim or someone helping such individuals, here are the steps you should take:

1. File a T or U visa petition with USCIS.
   • For T visas, you must show you are a victim of human trafficking and are helping law enforcement.
   • For U visas, you must show you are a victim of certain crimes (like domestic violence or sexual assault), have suffered serious harm, and are helping law enforcement.
   • You can find the official forms and instructions for the T visa (Form I-914) and U visa (Form I-918) on the USCIS website.
2. If you are in removal (deportation) proceedings, notify ICE of your pending application.
   • This helps ICE know that you are seeking protection and may qualify for special treatment under their policies.
3. Cooperate with law enforcement.
   • Both T and U visas require you to help police or prosecutors with their investigations or prosecutions.
4. Wait for USCIS to decide your case.
   • While your application is pending, ICE is generally supposed to pause any enforcement actions against you, unless there are exceptional reasons.
5. If your application is approved, you will receive legal status and work authorization.
   • This means you can stay in the United States 🇺🇸 and work legally.
6. If your application is denied, you may still be subject to removal, but you have the right to use all available legal remedies.
   • This could include appeals or other forms of relief in immigration court.

Key Details of ICE’s Current Policy

ICE’s policy, Directive 11005.3, is designed to protect noncitizen crime victims. Here are the most important points:

• Prosecutorial Discretion: ICE officers are told to use their judgment and usually pause enforcement actions (like arrest or deportation) for people with pending or approved T or U visa applications, or VAWA petitions (for victims of domestic violence).
• Enforcement Pause: If you have a pending or approved victim-based application, ICE will generally not arrest, detain, or remove you unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as national security concerns or serious criminal history.
• Support for Law Enforcement: ICE’s policy is meant to help law enforcement by making sure victims and witnesses are not afraid to come forward.
• Legal Recourse: If your application is denied, you still have the right to fight your case in immigration court.

You can read more about ICE’s victim-centered approach in their official fact sheet.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you have already filed a T or U visa application, here’s what the current situation means for you:

• You are generally protected from deportation while your application is pending.
• If you are helping law enforcement, ICE should not take enforcement action against you unless there is a very strong reason.
• If your application is denied, you may still face removal, but you have the right to use all legal options available to you.

For those who have not yet applied, it is important to start the process as soon as possible if you believe you qualify. The sooner you file, the sooner you may be protected under ICE’s current policy.

Background: What Are T and U Visas?

• T Visa: This visa is for people who are victims of human trafficking. To qualify, you must show that you were brought to the United States 🇺🇸 through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of labor or sex trafficking, and that you are helping law enforcement with their investigation or prosecution.
• U Visa: This visa is for victims of certain crimes, including domestic violence, sexual assault, kidnapping, and others. You must show that you suffered serious harm and that you are helping law enforcement.

Both visas were created to encourage victims to report crimes and help police, without being afraid of deportation. Over the past ten years, there has been a big increase in U visa applications, as more people learn about the program and more police departments work with immigrant communities.

Why Is This Issue Important?

Lawmakers like U.S. Rep. Moore argue that if ICE does not protect immigrant crime victims, many people will be too scared to report crimes. This makes it harder for police to catch criminals and keep everyone safe. By protecting victims, the government helps make sure that all people—regardless of their immigration status—can help law enforcement and get justice.

ICE and DHS say their current policies are meant to balance the need for immigration enforcement with the need to protect victims and support police work. However, some members of Congress and immigrant advocates want even stronger protections, so that victims are never at risk of deportation while their cases are pending.

What Are Lawmakers and Advocates Saying?

• U.S. Rep. Moore and Rep. Jayapal are leading the call for ICE to fully enforce its victim-centered policies.
• They are supported by a group of House Democrats who believe that protecting victims is good for public safety and justice.
• Advocates for immigrants say that strict enforcement of these protections is necessary to make sure victims feel safe coming forward.
• Some critics want Congress to pass new laws that would make these protections even stronger and prevent ICE from using its discretion to deport victims.

What Happens Next?

The July 2025 push by U.S. Rep. Moore and others may lead to new bills or hearings in Congress. Lawmakers could try to pass laws that make it harder for ICE to deport crime victims, or they could hold hearings to make sure ICE is following its own rules. This issue is likely to stay in the news, especially as the 2026 midterm elections get closer and immigration remains a hot topic.

Practical Guidance for Immigrant Crime Victims

If you or someone you know is a victim of a serious crime and may qualify for a T or U visa, here are some practical steps to take:

• Gather evidence of the crime and your cooperation with law enforcement. This could include police reports, court documents, or letters from police or prosecutors.
• Consult with a trusted immigration attorney or accredited representative. They can help you understand your options and prepare your application.
• File your T or U visa application as soon as possible. The sooner you apply, the sooner you may be protected from deportation.
• If you are in removal proceedings, tell ICE and the immigration judge about your pending application. This can help pause your case while your application is being reviewed.
• Stay in contact with law enforcement and keep records of your cooperation. This is important for your application and for your protection.

For more information on how to apply for T and U visas, visit the official USCIS T and U visa page.

Contact Information for Help

• Rep. Gwen Moore’s District Office:
  250 East Wisconsin, Suite 950, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
  Phone: (414) 297-1140
  Fax: (414) 297-1086

• ICE Victim-Centered Approach Policy:
  See the official ICE fact sheet for more details.

• USCIS T and U Visa Information:
  Visit the USCIS website for up-to-date information and application procedures.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• If you are a victim of human trafficking or a serious crime, you may qualify for a T or U visa, which can protect you from deportation and allow you to work legally in the United States 🇺🇸.
• ICE’s current policy is to pause enforcement actions against people with pending or approved T or U visa applications, unless there are exceptional reasons.
• Lawmakers, led by U.S. Rep. Moore, are pushing ICE to fully enforce these protections and may seek even stronger laws in the future.
• If you have a pending application, you are generally protected, but it is important to stay informed and seek legal help if needed.
• If your application is denied, you still have the right to fight your case in immigration court.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these developments highlight the ongoing debate over how best to protect immigrant crime victims while balancing immigration enforcement. The outcome of this debate will affect thousands of people across the United States 🇺🇸, as well as the safety and well-being of entire communities.

For now, the most important thing for affected individuals is to know their rights, take action to protect themselves, and stay informed about any new changes. If you or someone you know may qualify for a T or U visa, do not wait—start the process today and reach out for help if you need it. The protections in place are designed to help you, and there are many people and organizations ready to support you on your journey.

Learn Today

T Visa → A visa for victims of human trafficking who help law enforcement in investigations or prosecutions.
U Visa → A visa granted to victims of serious crimes who cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, agency enforcing immigration laws and deportation policies.
Directive 11005.3 → ICE policy protecting immigrant crime victims by pausing enforcement actions under certain conditions.
Prosecutorial Discretion → ICE officers’ authority to delay or halt deportation based on case circumstances.

This Article in a Nutshell

Congress pushes ICE to better protect immigrant crime victims applying for T and U visas. These protections encourage cooperation with law enforcement, pause deportations during application, and ensure legal work status if approved, improving safety and justice for vulnerable immigrant communities nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com