Illinois has dropped the ball on protecting immigrant victims of crime, a University of Chicago report says. The study highlights a grim reality for those who have endured victimization through labor trafficking to forced sex acts but hesitate to seek help due to fear over their immigration status. The damning report, released Thursday, accuses state law enforcement of failing to comply with the Voices of Immigrant Communities Empowering Survivors Act, which promises greater access to U and T visa programs for those who cooperate with police. The study's lead author, Nicole Hallett, told the Chicago Tribune, "It’s been five years, but the fact ... that there are still so many agencies that are out of compliance suggests that there’s some sort of breakdown."
Throwing the spotlight on similar issues in the Windy City, Injustice Watch uncovers the Chicago Police Department's higher rates of denying U-Visas compared to other cities. Immigrants, after being the victim of a crime, have reportedly faced roadblocks in obtaining this temporary legal status which acts as a lifeline. Their investigation pointed out that the bulk of these denials of U-Visas by the CPD involve officers with significant misconduct issues, according to WTTW. "The U-Visa certification is the first piece of that pie. A victim of a crime needs to obtain a certification signed by law enforcement that demonstrates they have been helpful, are being helpful, or are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of that crime," said Trisha Teofilo Olave, legal project manager at the National Immigrant Justice Center.
The U of C researchers, hoping to initially create a manual for immigrants to navigate the U and T visa system, were met with widespread ignorance among law enforcement agencies about the visas and the VOICES Act. Of nearly 300 agencies that responded to their study, 42% had no designated official for certification, and only 17% complied with making victims aware of the act's existence. Adding insult to injury, the two officers with a significant track record of misconduct, Brandon Ternand and John Poulos, have constituted the majority of U-Visa certification denials, as per WTTW. Despite their controversial history, Poulos and Ternand retained their roles, further complicating the plight of immigrants seeking refuge through the U-Visa system.
