Defending Immigrant Victims Act

California will require police and prosecutors to give crime victims information about potential immigration relief by January 1, 2028.

The law aims to ensure immigrant victims know about possible protections, including U visas, T visas, and VAWA relief, and how to seek legal advice.

What the law does

Requires investigating law-enforcement and prosecuting agencies to tell victims, eligible next of kin, and parents or guardians of minor victims about potential immigration-relief rights.
Requires those agencies to provide a free Immigrant Victims Rights and Resources card during initial contact, follow-up, or as soon as appropriate.
Requires the Attorney General to create the card by January 1, 2028, in English, Spanish, and languages used for the Marsy Rights card.
Requires the card to explain potential relief options, the cooperation requirement for U and T visas, how to consult an immigration attorney, and where to find state-listed immigration legal-service providers.

Crime victims who may qualify for immigration relief, including undocumented immigrants.
Next of kin of deceased victims and parents or guardians of minor victims.
Local law-enforcement agencies and agencies prosecuting crimes.

Local agencies may be reimbursed if the Commission on State Mandates finds the new duties create state-mandated costs.