S. 2929 · 116th Congress
POWER Act
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Never voted on. It didn't reach a floor vote before the 116th Congress ended, so it expired. A bill has to be introduced again to be considered in a new Congress.
D
MenendezSponsor6 cosponsors · 5 D, 1 I
6 signed on when it was introduced; the rest joined later. Cosponsors who withdrew aren't shown.
Protect Our Workers from Exploitation and Retaliation Act or the POWER Act
What it does: CRS summary · Introduced in Senate · Nov 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.
Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov
About this bill and sources
Official title: POWER Act
Also known as: Protect Our Workers from Exploitation and Retaliation Act
Latest action (Nov 21, 2019): Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Policy area: Immigration · Origin: Senate · Introduced: Nov 21, 2019
Official page on Congress.gov · Bill text (GovInfo) · Status record (XML)
No recorded floor vote found.