July 12, 2023

REP. CORREA STATEMENT ON REPUBLICAN ATTEMPT TO STRIP HIS AMENDMENT PROTECTING IMMIGRANT VETERANS FROM NDAA

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Correa released the following statement on the Republican attempt to strip his amendment expanding protections for immigrant veterans from the NDAA:

“Last night, my Republican colleagues did something good and agreed to include my amendment to extend protections for immigrant veterans and their families in the NDAA. Now they’re backpedaling—trying to kill my amendment before it even gets a floor vote. 

The Military Parole in Place (PiP) program grants non-citizen servicemembers and their families temporary protection from deportation while they pursue permanent legal status. My amendment was simple: codify that protection for honorably discharged veterans and their families.

Every May, Members of Congress go back to their district and talk about how much they love veterans and how we should take care of our veterans. With this vote to strike my amendment, Republicans are explicitly denying noncitizen veterans a chance at citizenship after they return home from combat – often with physical, emotional, and mental injuries from putting their bodies on the line for this country. To my Republican colleagues, I ask: why the change of heart? Our veterans deserve more than empty promises and backpedaling.

To the immigrant veterans who call Orange County home: know that, using parliamentary maneuvers as cover, my Republican colleagues are saying that you and your family are only deserving of protection if your loved one comes back in a casket—not if you come back honorably after serving. It’s abhorrent, and a slap in the face to every immigrant veteran and their families who have made the ultimate sacrifice to our freedom.”

Background: Rep. Correa submitted to the House Rules Committee a flurry of amendments for consideration, including one to codify the Military Parole in Place (PiP) program to include veterans who come home, and have been honorably discharged from their service. House Rules Republicans voted to include this amendment for floor consideration in an en bloc amendment. They have since reversed course on that decision, and are seeking to strip this amendment before Rule consideration.

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