Veterans Visa: Path to Return and Protection for Deported Service Members.
This Act establishes a special visa program allowing non-citizen veterans who were previously removed (deported) from the U.S. to return and obtain lawful permanent residency (Green Card status). It also provides stronger protection against deportation for current non-citizen service members and veterans, unless they have been convicted of a serious crime of violence. This ensures eligible veterans regain access to military benefits and a path to citizenship.
Key points
Creation of a "Veterans Visa" program allowing deported non-citizen veterans to return to the U.S. as permanent residents.
Veterans returning under this program regain full eligibility for military and veterans benefits and can pursue U.S. citizenship, disregarding previous grounds for removal.
Current non-citizen service members and veterans are protected from removal unless convicted of a crime of violence.
Immigration authorities must identify service members and veterans and require supervisory approval before initiating removal proceedings against them.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_3280
Sponsor: Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
Process start date: 2023-11-09