H.R. 3362: Justice for Angel Families Act

This bill, known as the Justice for Angel Families Act, aims to support individuals referred to as "angel families," which are defined as the immediate family members of victims of homicide committed by unlawfully present aliens or members of international criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill entails:

Grants for Angel Families

The bill proposes amendments to existing laws to provide grants for angel families. The state-operated programs will offer compensation for various expenses related to crimes resulting in death. Specifically, these grants would cover:

• Medical expenses: Costs associated with physical injuries, including mental health care for victims of crimes.
• Loss of wages: Compensation for loss of income due to physical injuries or emotional distress resulting from a compensable crime.
• Funeral expenses: Costs associated with the funerals of those killed as a result of criminal actions.

Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office

The bill establishes the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office under the Department of Homeland Security. The purpose of this office is to:

• Provide timely and professional services to victims of crimes committed by aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States.
• Assist family members of these victims in navigating support services, including information related to immigration enforcement.
• Create a hotline for victims and their families to access support and information about available resources.
• Conduct research and case studies on providing effective services to these victims and generate reports for Congress detailing their findings.

Annual Reporting Requirement

The Director of the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office will be required to submit annual reports to Congress. These reports will provide details on:

• The demographics of victims and the criminals.
• The locations and types of crimes committed.
• The nature of repeat offenses by criminal aliens.

Definitions

The bill includes specific definitions, such as:

• Alien: An individual unlawfully present in the United States.
• Angel Family: Immediate family members of individuals killed as a result of homicide committed by unlawfully present aliens or members of international drug trafficking organizations.

Overall Impact

If enacted, the bill would enhance support mechanisms for families affected by crimes involving unlawful aliens, create a dedicated office within Homeland Security, and improve the reporting and understanding of the impacts of such crimes on communities.

Relevant Companies

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