- Published: Thursday, April 26, 2018 10:26 PM
SPRINGFIELD – State senator Martin Sandoval released the following statement regarding the passage of SB 34, also known also as the VOICES Act, with Illinois Senate President John J. Cullerton.
“Today we take a historical step to protect domestic violence and human trafficking victims. I proudly cosponsor this legislation that creates a path for victims of abuse to obtain a visa allowing them to stay in our country under the protection of our laws.
“Victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, mainly women, should not be violated again when they are unable to apply for a U or T visa, due to law enforcement inaction. I’m proud the Senate took this action to protect immigrants, women and all victims of these crimes.”
- SB 34 standardizes criteria in which law enforcement agencies shall issue a report to domestic violence and human trafficking victims. This report is an indispensable requirement the victim needs before they can apply for a U visa – which protects victims of crimes that caused physical or mental abuse—or a T visa – which protects human trafficking victims.
The measure is being sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.