(Washington, DC)-– Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) and Immigration Subcommittee Chair Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) recently sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Chertoff demanding that the Department issue long overdue regulations on the adjustment of status for U and T visa holders. Congress created these visa categories, which allow immigrant victims of trafficking and other serious crimes who assist law enforcement to obtain permanent residence, in 2000. Eight years later, DHS has yet to issue regulations on the adjustment of status for eligible U and T visas.

"Victims of crimes such as modern-day slavery should not have to fear deportation for reporting their abuse and cooperating with law enforcement." said Conyers. "An 8-year delay in issuing regulations is inexplicable, given the bipartisan consensus that these people deserve legal protection.

"Congress overwhelmingly passed the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Act in 2000 with a promise to survivors – cooperation in bringing your tormenters to justice would be rewarded, not punished," added Lofgren. "It is high time that the administration delivers on that promise."