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 the passing of Public ACT 100-1115. 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 who are identified as "victims of qualifying criminal activity" as defined in the act whom were involved in an incident investigated by the DeKalb 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 in 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 applications.  Incorrectly completed forms may be rejected or may increase response time.

Step 3:

Send the U or T-Visa law enforcement certification form and questionnaire to:

Deputy Chief Jason Leverton
DeKalb Police Department
Attn: VOICES Act
700 W Lincoln Hwy
DeKalb IL 60115

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.

Whom do I contact at the DeKalb Police Department for more information? 

Deputy Chief Jason Leverton is the official designated by the Chief of Police to receive, review and respond to requests for completion of the certification form. He can also assist with questions relating to the VOICES Act. You can reach him directly at 815-748-8400 or by emailing him at jason.leverton@cityofdekalb.com. Mail can also be directly addressed to him at 700 W Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb IL 60115.