HR 2851In committeeImmigrationhouse

WISE Act

Introduced Apr 10, 2025 by Rep. Pramila Jayapal

IntroducedCommitteeFloorCongressLaw

It's waiting on a committee vote to reach the full chamber. Most bills never leave this stage.

Latest action · Apr 10, 2025

Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Agriculture, Education and Workforce, Energy and Commerce, and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Read it on Congress.gov

What it does

This bill expands eligibility for U nonimmigrant visas (victims of criminal activity) and prohibits immigration enforcement activities in specified areas.

Generally, U visas are for victims of specified crimes (e.g., rape, trafficking, or domestic violence) who assist with the investigation or prosecution of the crime. The bill adds hate crimes, child abuse, and elder abuse as crimes that may qualify a victim for a U visa and removes criteria related to the victim's assistance with the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must provide work authorization to U visa applicants, whereas currently DHS may grant work authorization but is not required to do so.

The bill also eliminates the annual numerical cap on U visas.

Read the full summary on Congress.gov

Summary by the Congressional Research Service.

Roll-call votes

No floor votes yet — it hasn't reached the floor of either chamber.