Protecting immigrants caught in a crime scene

Dan Morse's May 17 Metro article, "Possible side effects of immigrant checks," made a critical point -- that immigration laws could prevent undocumented individuals who witness crimes from stepping forward. Trusting law enforcement is key to people's participation -- including immigrants' -- in police investigations.

A relevant but underused type of visa provides legal immigration status for crime victims who cooperate with law enforcement. Because many police departments and immigrant communities are unaware of the U-visa and how its use can improve public safety, the nonprofit organizations Legal Momentum and the Vera Institute of Justice are developing materials and trainings to overcome this gap in knowledge and practice.

Throughout the country, debate about immigration is heated and complex. This initiative is neither. Instead, it strives to find common ground. Given tools and training, law enforcement personnel can address immigrant victims' fear of reporting crime and encourage collaboration with investigators. It is no exaggeration to say that everyone stands to gain.

Rodolfo Estrada, New York

The writer is a senior program associate with the Center on Immigration and Justice at the Vera Institute of Justice.