Sec. 35-22A. U visa law enforcement certification - policy directive.
Montgomery County, Md., Code § 35-22A (2026)
Sec. 35-22A. U visa law enforcement certification - policy directive.LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Short title. This Section may be known and cited as the “Uplifting Victims and Immigrant Safety Act” (U VISA).
(b)
Definitions. In this Section, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
Department means the Montgomery County Police Department.
Enforcement means efforts to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation of a violation of criminal activity under state or local law.
U nonimmigrant status or U visa as defined in Section 1101(a)(15)(U) of Title 8 of the United States Code, as amended.
(c)
U visa policy directive – compliance with federal law. A policy directive or guidance issued by the Chief of Police or designee that describes the eligibility process for certifying an individual, who has been identified as a victim of a qualifying crime, for the purpose of a U visa petition:
(1)
must not be more stringent than the criteria required under federal immigration law; and
(2)
must be consistent and not conflict with the standards and regulations under state law or federal immigration law.
(d)
Nothing in this Section must be construed to prevent enforcement by any member of the Department, the State’s Attorney Office, or any other investigative agency.