Murphy Introduces Legislation To Protect Noncitizen Witnesses And Hold Criminals Accountable

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Wednesday introduced the Witness Assistance and Criminal Accountability Act, legislation to improve public safety by holding criminals accountable, encouraging witnesses of criminal activity to participate in the justice system, and ensuring noncitizens who assist police and prosecutors are not punished for their participation. Current law provides limited protections for noncitizens who witness criminal activity and wish to help law enforcement by providing credible information, testimony, or evidence. As a result, noncitizen witnesses who wish to come forward are forced to weigh their desire to help against the risk of deportation.

"Our criminal justice system only works if individuals feel safe coming forward when they witness or have information about a crime. But for many of our neighbors, participating in the justice system comes with an understandable fear of deportation, possibly resulting in some people staying silent. This legislation would make our communities safer by giving these witnesses the protections they need to help police and prosecutors hold criminals accountable without the fear of being deported for doing the right thing," said Murphy.

The Witness Assistance and Criminal Accountability Act would protect witnesses and encourage cooperation with law enforcement to help prosecute crimes. Specifically, the bill would:

1. Amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a new nonimmigrant classification - the W Visa - for individuals who are in possession of critical information regarding criminal activity and who are willing to assist with law enforcement's prosecution of eligible crimes;
2. Ensure noncitizens who step forward to participate in the criminal justice system have access to immigration protection; and
3. Facilitate communication and cooperation between state and local law enforcement and the communities they serve, by ensuring that members of the community are not afraid to participate because of their immigration status.

A one-pager is available HERE. Full text of the bill is available HERE.

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