Congressman Correa Votes For Passage of The Veteran Service Recognition Act
Bill Prevents Deportation of Veterans
Washington, D.C. — Today Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46) voted for the passage of the Veteran Service Recognition Act.
“Veterans risk their lives to protect our nation, and America’s promise to take care of our veterans and service members should still apply to these individuals regardless of their immigration status. All veterans and active members gave something to ensure the freedom of our nation. This legislation rectifies a great error against noncitizen service members and honorably discharged veterans in the process of being removed by allowing the DHS Secretary to have discretion to give these veterans the opportunity to remain in the U.S. I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues to pass the Veteran Service Recognition Act to provide an opportunity for noncitizen service members and veterans to retain or apply for legal permanent resident status. This is an issue about justice for our service members and veterans and these brave individuals should be citizens.”
Background: The Veteran Service Recognition Act would allow noncitizen servicemembers to apply for naturalization during basic training, establish a review process for those who are in removal proceedings, and provide an opportunity for noncitizen veterans who have been removed or ordered removed and who have not been convicted of serious crimes to obtain legal permanent resident status. Congressman Correa was a co-lead of the Veteran Service Recognition Act and joined alongside Reps. Takano and Lofgren to introduce the bill.
This bill was formally endorsed by the American Legion, UnidosUS, Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO, and the AFL-CIO.
Watch Congressman Correa's speech on the House floor here.
##
Next Article Previous Article