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Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2021
12/31/2022, 4:58 AM
Summary of Bill HR 4137
One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a new visa category specifically for veterans who have served in the US military. This visa would provide a pathway to permanent residency for eligible veterans, allowing them to remain in the United States and access the benefits and services they have earned through their service.
In addition to creating a new visa category, the bill also includes provisions aimed at protecting veterans from deportation and ensuring that they are not penalized for their service to the country. This includes measures to prevent the deportation of veterans who have committed minor offenses and to provide legal assistance to veterans facing deportation proceedings. Overall, the Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2021 is designed to recognize and support the contributions of immigrant and non-citizen veterans to the United States, while also ensuring that they are able to access the benefits and services they have earned through their service. The bill is currently being considered by Congress and has received bipartisan support from lawmakers who recognize the importance of supporting our veterans, regardless of their immigration status.
Congressional Summary of HR 4137
Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2021
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.
