VOICES Act
What is the VOICES Act?
The Voices of Immigrant Communities Empowering Act, also known as the VOICES Act, was effective January 1, 2019, after Public Act 100-1115 passed. The VOICES Act allows "victims of qualifying criminal activity" to request a law enforcement certification form required by federal immigration law certifying that a person is a victim of qualifying criminal activity for use in applying for a U or T-Visa under the United States Code.
Who is eligible to participate?
Those individuals identified as "victims of qualifying criminal activity" as defined in the act who were involved in an incident investigated by the Carbondale 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 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 1:
Download the appropriate U or T-Visa Law Enforcement Certification Form:
Step 2:
Complete Part 1 of the U-Visa or Part B of the T-Visa. Do not complete any other sections of the application. Incorrectly completed forms may be rejected or may increase response time.
Step 3:
Complete the questionnaire. Although this questionnaire is not required, it will assist the Carbondale Police Department in locating case reports and supporting documentation for a law enforcement certification application response.
Step 4:
Send the U or T-Visa Law Enforcement Certification form and questionnaire to:
Marcia Toliver
Carbondale Police Department
Attn: VOICES Act
501 S. Washington Street
Carbondale, IL 62901
Applications can also be emailed to mtoliver@explorecarbondale.com
How long does it take to get a law enforcement certification response?
Response times vary and can take up to 90 business days from the time of the request. The VOICES Act has additional response time provisions, which can be found on the Illinois General Assembly website.
Who do I contact at the Carbondale Police Department for more information?
Records Supervisor Marcia Toliver is the official designated by the Chief of Police to receive, review, and respond to requests to complete the certification form. She can also assist with questions relating to the VOICES Act. She can be reached at 618-457-3200, ext. 414, or by email at mtoliver@explorecarbondale.com. Mail can be directly addressed to her at 501 S. Washington Street, Carbondale, Illinois 62901.