Widows and Orphans Act of 2005

The Widows and Orphans Act of 2005 proposes the creation of a new "N" visa category to provide legal protection for vulnerable women and children from other countries. This special immigrant status would be available to individuals who have a credible fear of harm based on their age or gender and who lack adequate protection in their home countries.

If passed, the bill would require the U.S. government to process these applications within 45 days and allow approved individuals to live in the United States and apply for permanent residency after one year. To ensure national security, the legislation mandates that all applicants undergo extensive criminal and security background checks, including the submission of fingerprints and biometric data, before or shortly after entering the country.