VOICES Act

What is the VOICES Act?

The Voices of Immigrant Communities Empowering Act, also known as the VOICES Act (Public Act 100-1115), was recently amended by the Illinois Way Forward Act (Public Act 102-0234). The VOICES Act allows “victims of qualifying criminal activity” to request a “certification form” or a law enforcement certification form or statement required by federal immigration law certifying that a person is a victim of qualifying criminal activity for use in applying for a U-Visa or T-Visa under the United States Code.

The Illinois Way Forward Act (Public Act 102-0234)

The Illinois VOICES Act (Public Act 100-1115)


Who is eligible to participate?

Those individuals who are identified as “victims of qualifying criminal activity” as defined in the act who were involved in an incident investigated by the LaSalle County Sheriff 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 One: 

Download the appropriate U or T Visa law enforcement certification form:


Step Two:

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 Three:

Send the U or T Visa law enforcement certification form to:
Chief Deputy Dave Ortiz
LaSalle County Sheriff Department
Attn: VOICES Act
707 E. Etna Road
Ottawa, Illinois 61350

Applications can also be emailed to dortiz@lasallecountyil.gov

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's website.

Do you need more information? 

Chief Deputy Dave Ortiz is the official designated by the LaSalle County Sheriff 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 Chief Deputy Ortiz directly at 815-434-7899 or by email at dortiz@lasallecountyil.gov.  Mail can be directly addressed to Chief Deputy Dave Ortiz, LaSalle County Sheriff Department, 707 E Etna Road, Ottawa, IL  61350.