Trump Wage Chief Adds Visa Hurdles for Trafficking Victims (2)

Victims of human trafficking and other workplace crimes will have a tougher time getting visas certified by the Labor Department under a policy issued July 1.

The DOL Wage and Hour Division is retreating from an Obama-era initiative by instituting a more thorough process to certify U and T visas. The permits protect undocumented workers who have suffered “severe” mental and physical abuse and are frequently willing to help put traffickers and law-breaking employers behind bars. The visa certifications are a crucial first step before workers submit applications for temporary legal status to the Homeland Security Department for a final ...