Rep. Panetta reintroduces bill to eliminate limits on visas for victims, witnesses of crime

by Thomas Hughes, Bay City News August 3, 2025August 1, 2025

U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Santa Cruz, speaks at a press conference at San Jose City Hall in San Jose, Calif., on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Panetta gathered with local elected officials, law enforcement and immigrants' rights advocates to announce the reintroduction of a bill that would remove the 10,000 visa limit set by Congress for U visas, which are granted to victims and witnesses of crime who participate in law enforcement investigations. The bill would also give them protected status and the right to work while the lengthy application process plays out. (Courtesy U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta's office)

U.S. CONGRESSMAN JIMMY PANETTA has reintroduced legislation aiming to remove a cap on the number of visas granted to victims of domestic abuse and other violent crimes, and give those with pending applications protection against detention and deportation.

The bill comes as the Trump administration has sought to cut off federal funding to sanctuary jurisdictions that encourage participation with law enforcement by undocumented residents, creating a chilling effect, according to Santa Clara County law enforcement.

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