Agenda Packet_2025-09-16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Deputy Chief Andrade stated the average approval rate for SAPD is 40%, 30% are filed with the wrong agency, and 30% are not certified. Commissioner Perea asked whether SAPD has the ability to certify applications where the case is referred to the District Attorney's office. Commissioner Said asked for clarification regarding the number of applicants, timeline of the application process, and jurisdiction of the 10,000 awarded U-Visas. She spoke in support of a more accessible and transparent process. Allysa Scheyer provided clarification and answered the Commissioner's questions. Deputy Chief Andrade stated the total applications received in Santa Ana were 261 in 2020, 333 in 2021, 356 in 2022, and 372 in 2023. He clarified that 30% of cases get referred to other agencies and are not considered denials. Commissioner Mejia stated the national average denial rate is approximately 10% and state law does not require SAPD to transfer U-Visa certifications to other agencies. She suggested SAPD be more helpful by having a clear and updated policy that meets state standards and requested a draft policy that includes both direct and indirect victims, incorporates the state's definition of "unreasonable," clarifies what constitutes "relative evidence"and "nuisance"crimes, asked whether including specific language for domestic violence and sexual assault cases would be beneficial and stated the policy should be more transparent and equitable. Commissioner Vega asked whether there was a possible policy change to better protect individuals that are applying for U-Visas from being deported, stated he wants to know the best way to protect applicants from deportation, and asked if DHS is notified when someone applies. Sabrina Rivera and Allyssa Scheyer stated each jurisdiction appoints its own certifying officials and a mechanism exists to report unhelpful officials to USCIS. They recommended including specific language for domestic violence and sexual assault cases, and providing more information overall, including hypothetical scenarios. Sabrina Rivera and Allyssa Scheyer stated DNS is not notified when a U-Visa certification application is filed, noted the U-Visa can sometimes prevent or delay deportation by showing that a U-Visa is pending or about to be filed, and spoke regarding their experiences with certifications, and emphasized the importance of timely responses, clarity, transparency in denial reasons, and accessibility for applicants without lawyers. They mentioned significant federal cuts have reduced the number of free legal service providers making it difficult to serve all clients, and stressed the need for a public-facing procedure for those who cannot afford an attorney. Commissioner Gawronski asked whether the Public Law Center has four immigration attorneys and when the U-Visa program was started. Vice Chair Castillo Laughton thanked the presenters, stated the current policy needs to be revamped, strengthened in consistency and accessible to the public and requested a copy of SAPD procedure 4130. POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 10 JULY 10, 2025 City Council 6 – 85 9/16/2025