The first section of this Act states its short title, which can be referred to as the “Working for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment Act” or simply the “WISE Act”.

The section outlines that the purpose of the Act is to help non-citizen victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and similar crimes by removing immigration barriers and ensuring they have access to protections under laws like the Violence Against Women Act and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Additionally, it expresses the opinion of Congress that the Department of Homeland Security should make it easier for these victims to access protections and avoid deporting them before deciding on their applications for humanitarian relief.

The section outlines several changes to the U visa program, which helps victims of certain crimes in the U.S. stay in the country. It includes adding civil rights violations to the list of qualifying activities, removing annual limits on visas, speeding up work authorizations, and ensuring certain protections for children turning 21 during the application process.

The bill provides immigration status relief for spouses and children who have been abused by their principal immigrant family members, allowing them to stay in the U.S. for the same period as the principal or for three years, whichever is longer. It includes provisions for employment authorization, potential adjustment to permanent residency, and clarifies the eligibility for children and the effect of changes in relationships, without the abuse affecting their residential status.

The section provides protections for "abused derivative aliens" by allowing them to remain in the U.S. and possibly adjust their immigration status to permanent residency if they or their children have been subject to abuse by someone they accompanied into the country. It also ensures that the death, separation, or lost status of the principal alien does not negatively impact their eligibility, and it extends similar protections to their family members if it prevents extreme hardship.

The section amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to stipulate that certain immigrants with specific pending or approved applications, such as for victims of human trafficking or domestic violence, should generally be released from detention without conditions. The Secretary of Homeland Security can argue against this presumption if there is clear evidence that alternatives to detention would not ensure the individual's appearance at proceedings or that the individual poses a danger to others.

The section amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to modify rules about how immigration information is shared or used, increase penalties for certain violations, and require annual reports and training related to these rules. It also establishes a process for addressing violations and allows individuals harmed by such violations to take legal action.

The section details the rules for immigration officers conducting enforcement actions in protected areas, like schools, hospitals, and churches, requiring them to have prior approval and face restrictions unless there are urgent situations. It also mandates training for officials, annual reporting to Congress, and ensures those affected by these actions know their rights.

The section of the bill provides various legal protections and benefits for survivors of domestic violence who are immigrants. It includes amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act to ensure eligibility for work authorization, access to social services, and relief from certain immigration restrictions, while also establishing rights to judicial review and eligibility for employment authorization for VAWA self-petitioners and other noncitizens.

The section updates the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow survivors of domestic violence and certain nonimmigrant applicants, including T and U visa applicants, VAWA self-petitioners, and special immigrant juveniles, to apply for specific waivers and not be subjected to certain requirements. This amendment applies retroactively, meaning it affects both past and future waivers under the specified section of the Act.

The section strengthens waivers for certain aliens who are victims of abuse, known as VAWA self-petitioners, by allowing them exceptions to immigration penalties related to unlawful entry or false claims of U.S. citizenship. It amends various clauses in the Immigration and Nationality Act to offer these individuals protection and support, emphasizing humanitarian needs, family unity, and public interest.

The proposed amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act ensures that certain individuals who have survived abuse or violence cannot be removed from the United States until a final decision is made on their application for legal status, and they have exhausted all their legal options. This protection applies to those with pending or approved petitions for special immigrant juvenile status, VAWA self-petitioners, and individuals eligible for specific forms of immigration relief.

The text amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to state that individuals with certain pending or approved applications or petitions cannot be ordered to leave the U.S. under specific circumstances.

The bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand protections for step-children who are victims of abuse. It clarifies that step-children can still file for self-petitions under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) even if their natural or step-parents die or divorce, and considers visitation as part of their residence with a citizen or permanent resident step-parent.

The section amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt certain groups from monetary penalties. These groups include VAWA self-petitioners, applicants for certain nonimmigrant statuses, and those petitioning for Special Immigrant Juvenile status.

The section amends part of the Immigration and Nationality Act by updating the heading to specifically mention "battered spouses, children, and parents." It also changes certain references to sections of the act to include version-specific details and corrects a definition reference related to another law.

The amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act allows immigration judges, in addition to the Secretary of Homeland Security, to waive certain grounds of inadmissibility for specific nonimmigrant visa holders if it is considered beneficial for public or national interest.

The section of the bill proposes changes to the Immigration and Nationality Act to remove limits on the number of visas available to children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. It amends several parts of the Act to ensure these children are not restricted by worldwide or per-country visa caps, allowing them easier access to immigration benefits.

The bill modifies the Immigration and Nationality Act by stating that juvenile courts cannot decide the custody of a child in the care of the Secretary of Health and Human Services unless the Secretary agrees, and that being a parent of such a child does not grant any immigration benefits.

The amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act allows individuals with pending or approved petitions for special immigrant juvenile status to file a motion to reopen their removal orders without any time limit. This means they can apply to adjust their status and are protected from being removed while their motion is being decided, even if appeals are involved, and only one such motion can be filed regardless of numerical restrictions.

The section amends the requirements for naturalization of certain individuals, like spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been abused by a U.S. citizen family member. These individuals can seek naturalization after living continuously in the U.S. for three years, and specific residency and presence conditions apply, with additional protections for those who have suffered abuse.