Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2019
- Last Action
- 5/15/2019
Actions
- 2019-05-15Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.
- 2019-04-29Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- 2019-04-05Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
- 2019-04-04Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2019-04-04Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2019-04-04Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2019-04-04Introduced in House
- 2019-04-04Introduced in House
CRS Summary
As of 2019-04-04 (00)
This bill provides permanent resident status and citizenship eligibility to certain noncitizen veterans and addresses related issues.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must establish a program that allows (1) eligible noncitizen veterans outside of the United States to be admitted as permanent residents, and (2) eligible noncitizen veterans in the United States to obtain permanent resident status.
Generally, an eligible noncitizen veteran under this bill is one who was not removed from the United States for certain crimes related to violence or national security. DHS may waive these eligibility requirements for humanitarian, family unity, public interest, or exceptional military service reasons.
A noncitizen veteran who obtains permanent resident status under this bill shall be eligible for (1) naturalization through service in the Armed Forces, and (2) military and veterans benefits as if they had not been removed (or ordered removed) from the United States.
For a noncitizen veteran in removal proceedings or subject to a final removal order, the Department of Justice (DOJ) must determine whether the veteran is eligible for permanent resident status under this bill. If the veteran is eligible, DOJ must adjust the veteran's status.
The bill also protects noncitizen veterans or service members from being removed from the United States unless the veteran has been convicted of a crime of violence.
Cosponsors (7)
- JANICE SCHAKOWSKY (D-IL)
- JAMES MCGOVERN (D-MA)
- SHEILA JACKSON LEE (D-TX)
- ELEANOR NORTON (D-DC)
- Gwen Moore (D-WI)
- Ilhan Omar (D-MN)
- Filemon Vela (D-TX)
Subjects
- Border security and unlawful immigration
- Citizenship and naturalization
- Government information and archives
- Immigration status and procedures
- Military personnel and dependents
- Veterans' organizations and recognition
- Veterans' pensions and compensation
Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.