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POWER Act

USA116th CongressHR-5225| House 
| Updated: 12/19/2019
Judy Chu

Judy Chu

Democratic Representative

California

Cosponsors (13)
Marcy Kaptur (Democratic)Sylvia R. Garcia (Democratic)Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democratic)Raúl M. Grijalva (Democratic)David J. Trone (Democratic)Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democratic)Pramila Jayapal (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Jamie Raskin (Democratic)James P. McGovern (Democratic)Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democratic)Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democratic)Grace F. Napolitano (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee, Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Protect Our Workers from Exploitation and Retaliation Act or the POWER Act This bill expands protections for aliens who are victims of crimes or serious workplace violations. U visas (nonimmigrant visas for victims of crimes helping with the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity) shall be available to aliens who have suffered substantial harm related to workplace claims. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may allow an alien to work and temporarily remain in the United States if the alien (1) has filed for a U visa, or (2) has filed or is a material witness to a workplace claim and is helpful to authorities investigating the claim. The bill removes (1) certain fees to petition for a U visa, and (2) direct numerical limitations on such visas. A notice to an alien to appear at removal proceedings shall contain specified certifications, if the alien was taken (1) at a facility where a workplace claim has been filed, or (2) as a result of information provided to DHS in retaliation against individuals exercising their legal rights. Specifically, the notice shall state that (1) an adverse immigration determination may not be based solely on information furnished by the party engaged in the unlawful activity, and (2) the alien's information shall not be disclosed. Such an alien may not be removed until the appropriate law enforcement agency has had a chance to interview the alien. Removal proceedings against an alien who has filed or is a witness to a workplace claim shall be stayed until the resolution of the claim, with limited exceptions.
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Timeline
Nov 21, 2019
Introduced in House
Nov 21, 2019
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Dec 19, 2019
Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.
May 14, 2020

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 116-3739
Introduced in Senate
  • November 21, 2019
    Introduced in House


  • November 21, 2019
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.


  • December 19, 2019
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.


  • May 14, 2020

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 116-3739
    Introduced in Senate

Immigration

Related Bills

  • HR 116-8954: Seasonal Worker Solidarity Act of 2020
  • S 116-2929: POWER Act
Administrative remediesCrime victimsCriminal investigation, prosecution, interrogationDetention of personsEmployment discrimination and employee rightsEvidence and witnessesForeign laborImmigration status and proceduresState and local government operationsUser charges and feesVisas and passports

POWER Act

USA116th CongressHR-5225| House 
| Updated: 12/19/2019
Protect Our Workers from Exploitation and Retaliation Act or the POWER Act This bill expands protections for aliens who are victims of crimes or serious workplace violations. U visas (nonimmigrant visas for victims of crimes helping with the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity) shall be available to aliens who have suffered substantial harm related to workplace claims. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may allow an alien to work and temporarily remain in the United States if the alien (1) has filed for a U visa, or (2) has filed or is a material witness to a workplace claim and is helpful to authorities investigating the claim. The bill removes (1) certain fees to petition for a U visa, and (2) direct numerical limitations on such visas. A notice to an alien to appear at removal proceedings shall contain specified certifications, if the alien was taken (1) at a facility where a workplace claim has been filed, or (2) as a result of information provided to DHS in retaliation against individuals exercising their legal rights. Specifically, the notice shall state that (1) an adverse immigration determination may not be based solely on information furnished by the party engaged in the unlawful activity, and (2) the alien's information shall not be disclosed. Such an alien may not be removed until the appropriate law enforcement agency has had a chance to interview the alien. Removal proceedings against an alien who has filed or is a witness to a workplace claim shall be stayed until the resolution of the claim, with limited exceptions.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Nov 21, 2019
Introduced in House
Nov 21, 2019
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Dec 19, 2019
Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.
May 14, 2020

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 116-3739
Introduced in Senate
  • November 21, 2019
    Introduced in House


  • November 21, 2019
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.


  • December 19, 2019
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.


  • May 14, 2020

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 116-3739
    Introduced in Senate
Judy Chu

Judy Chu

Democratic Representative

California

Cosponsors (13)
Marcy Kaptur (Democratic)Sylvia R. Garcia (Democratic)Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democratic)Raúl M. Grijalva (Democratic)David J. Trone (Democratic)Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democratic)Pramila Jayapal (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Jamie Raskin (Democratic)James P. McGovern (Democratic)Nanette Diaz Barragán (Democratic)Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democratic)Grace F. Napolitano (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee, Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee

Immigration

Related Bills

  • HR 116-8954: Seasonal Worker Solidarity Act of 2020
  • S 116-2929: POWER Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Administrative remediesCrime victimsCriminal investigation, prosecution, interrogationDetention of personsEmployment discrimination and employee rightsEvidence and witnessesForeign laborImmigration status and proceduresState and local government operationsUser charges and feesVisas and passports