VOICES Act
What is the VOICES Act?
The Voices of Immigrant Communities Empowering Act, also known as the VOICES Act, was recently amended by the Illinois Way Forward Act (Public Act 102-0234). The VOICES Act allows “victims of qualifying criminal activity” to request a “certification form” or a law enforcement certification form or statement required by federal immigration law certifying that a person is a victim of qualifying criminal activity for use in applying for a U-Visa or T-Visa under the United States Code.
The Illinois Way Forward Act (Public Act 102-0234) can be found here: Illinois Way Forward Act
The Illinois VOICES ACT (5 ILCS 825/1) can be found here: Illinois VOICES Act
Who is eligible to participate?
Those individuals who are identified as “victims of qualifying criminal activity” as defined in the act who were involved in an incident investigated by the University of Illinois Chicago Police Department.
"Victim of qualifying criminal activity" means a person described in Section 1101(a)(15)(U)(i)(I) of Title 8 of the United States Code, in the definition of "victim of a severe form of trafficking" in Section 7102(14) of Title 22 of the United States Code, or in any implementing federal regulations, supplementary information, guidance, and instructions.
"Qualifying criminal activity" means any activity, regardless of the stage of detection, investigation, or prosecution, designated in Section 1101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of Title 8 of the United States Code, any implementing federal regulations, supplementary information, guidance, and instructions.
How does someone apply?
Step One:
Download the appropriate U-Visa or T Visa law enforcement certification form:
Step Two:
Complete Part 1 of the U-Visa or Part B of the T-Visa. Do not complete any other sections of the applications. Incorrectly completed forms may be rejected or may increase response time.
Step Three:
Send the U-Visa or T-Visa law enforcement certification form to:
Captain Justin Wooden
University of Illinois Chicago Police Department
Attn: VOICES Act
943 W. Maxwell Street
Chicago, IL 60608
Applications can also be emailed to Captain Justin Wooden at woodenj@uic.edu
How long does it take to get a law enforcement certification response?
If the Certifying Official determines the requester of a U-Visa or T-Visa is a victim of qualifying criminal activity or human trafficking, the Certifying Official must complete the certification or declaration form and provide it to the requester within ninety (90) days of receiving the request. If the person making the request is in federal immigration removal proceedings or detained, the Certifying Official must complete the certification or declaration form and provide it to the requester within twenty-one (21) business days. Reduced time limits are in place for requests in cases involving reduced federal benefits for children, parents, or siblings of the requester.
Whom do I contact at the University of Illinois Chicago Police Department for more information?
Captain Justin Wooden is the law enforcement official designated by the Chief of Police to receive, review, and respond to requests for completion of the certification form. You can reach him directly at (312)355-3236 or by emailing him at woodenj@uic.edu. Mail can also be directly addressed to him at 943 W. Maxwell Street, Chicago, IL 60608.
Whom do I contact at the University of Illinois Chicago Police Department if my request is denied?
The University of Illinois Chicago Police Department will accept all appeals and respond within 30 business days. The Deputy Chief of Internal Operations, Michael Batis, is responsible for the review, approval and/or denial of all appeals. You can reach him directly at (312)996-0419 or by emailing him at mbatis1@uic.edu. Mail can also be directly addressed to him at 943 W. Maxwell Street, Chicago, IL 60608.
How do I request Recertification?
The designated certifying official, Captain Justin Wooden, will be responsible for the review, approval and/or denial of all requests for recertification within 90 business days, or 21 business days if the requester has a deadline to respond to United States Citizenship Immigration Services request for evidence.