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POWER Act

USA116th CongressS-2929| Senate 
| Updated: 11/21/2019
Robert Menendez

Robert Menendez

Democratic Senator

New Jersey

Cosponsors (6)
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democratic)Kamala D. Harris (Democratic)Bernard Sanders (Independent)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)Jeff Merkley (Democratic)Richard Blumenthal (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • 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

Bill from Previous Congress

S 115-717
POWER Act
Nov 21, 2019
Introduced in Senate
Nov 21, 2019
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Oct 1, 2020

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 116-8332
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H5439)
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 115-717
    POWER Act


  • November 21, 2019
    Introduced in Senate


  • November 21, 2019
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.


  • October 1, 2020

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 116-8332
    Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H5439)

Immigration

Related Bills

  • HR 116-8954: Seasonal Worker Solidarity Act of 2020
  • HR 116-5225: 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 CongressS-2929| Senate 
| Updated: 11/21/2019
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

Bill from Previous Congress

S 115-717
POWER Act
Nov 21, 2019
Introduced in Senate
Nov 21, 2019
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Oct 1, 2020

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 116-8332
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H5439)
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 115-717
    POWER Act


  • November 21, 2019
    Introduced in Senate


  • November 21, 2019
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.


  • October 1, 2020

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 116-8332
    Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H5439)
Robert Menendez

Robert Menendez

Democratic Senator

New Jersey

Cosponsors (6)
Catherine Cortez Masto (Democratic)Kamala D. Harris (Democratic)Bernard Sanders (Independent)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)Jeff Merkley (Democratic)Richard Blumenthal (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

Immigration

Related Bills

  • HR 116-8954: Seasonal Worker Solidarity Act of 2020
  • HR 116-5225: 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