H.R. 47 — VOICE Restoration Act

This section states congressional findings that (1) in April 2017, the Department of Homeland Security launched the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office (VOICE) in response to Executive Order 13768; and (2) in June 2021, the Department of Homeland Security terminated VOICE pursuant to President Joseph R. Biden Jr.'s Executive Order on the Revision of Civil Immigration Enforcement Policies and Priorities.

This section establishes the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office (VOICE) within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to provide assistance to victims of crimes committed by aliens present in the United States without lawful status, as well as to witnesses and legal representatives acting on behalf of such victims. VOICE must (1) use a victim-centered approach to support victims, witnesses, and their families; (2) promote awareness of available services; and (3) build partnerships with community stakeholders. Authorized assistance includes (1) a dedicated toll-free hotline; (2) local contacts for unique requests; (3) referrals to social service professionals and resources; (4) automated notifications of an alien perpetrator's custody status; and (5) additional criminal and immigration history information on such aliens. This section further requires VOICE to publish quarterly reports on the effects of victimization by such aliens to Congress, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the President, beginning not later than 180 days after enactment.