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