Favorable
Committee: Judicial Proceedings
SB0553
The Maryland Catholic Conference offers this testimony in support of Senate Bill 553.
The Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) is the public policy representative of the three (arch)dioceses serving Maryland, which together encompass over one million Marylanders. Statewide, their parishes, schools, hospitals, and numerous charities combine to form our state’s second largest social service provider network, behind only our state government.
Senate Bill 553 revises the criteria for assessing whether a victim, or their parent, guardian, or representative, has been or is likely to be helpful in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of criminal activity for the purposes of U Nonimmigrant Status. It also modifies the timelines within which certifying entities must respond to requests to certify or decline the necessary forms.
This bill reflects Catholic social teaching principles of justice, human dignity, and solidarity. By protecting immigrant victims and ensuring timely access to legal protections, it upholds the moral imperative to defend the vulnerable and marginalized. As stated in Caritas in Veritate “Every migrant is a human person who, as such, possesses fundamental, inalienable rights that must be respected by everyone and in every circumstance.” (Pope Benedict XVI, 62)
This bill provides clarity and efficiency in processing U Nonimmigrant Status certifications, encouraging greater cooperation between immigrant victims and law enforcement. This facilitates more effective investigations and prosecutions, while simultaneously fostering trust between immigrant communities and legal authorities, contributing to a safer and more inclusive society.
The MCC appreciates your consideration and respectfully urges a favorable report for Senate Bill 553