August 20, 2019

Castro, Grijalva Call for Department of Labor to Resume Visa Certification Process for Abused Workers and Trafficking Victims

WASHINGTON—Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a member of the House Intelligence and Education and Labor Committees, and Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-3), Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter calling for the Department of Labor to reverse a newly issued guidance that creates unnecessary hurdles for vulnerable immigrant workers:

“By needlessly complicating the process for individuals seeking critical visas, the Department of Labor is targeting already vulnerable members of our communities. With troublesome barriers in their way, immigrant workers seeking protection from abuse and human trafficking will be silenced and forced into the shadows. Not only are U and T visas a lifeline for victims, but also the process affords an integral tool for law enforcement working to fight crime,” Congressman Castro said. “Already marginalized, these immigrant workers will experience further fear and may be exposed to additional harm. The Department of Labor must act swiftly to overturn this dangerous and discriminatory guidance. Lives depend on it.”

“Erecting cumbersome barriers for workers is a slap in the face to the millions of workers who drive our economy each day. It’s clear no matter where the Trump Administration’s xenophobic agenda is implemented, it puts immigrants in danger. The Labor Department must reverse this decision and provide immigrant workers with the security they need to report crimes in the workplace,” Congressman Grijalva said.

Read the full letter here.

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