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Enlist Act of 2023
3/5/2024, 1:44 PM
Summary of Bill S 2401
The Enlist Act of 2023 would provide a way for Dreamers to serve in the military and gain legal status in the United States. This bill aims to recognize the contributions that Dreamers can make to the country through their service in the armed forces. By allowing them to enlist, the bill seeks to provide a pathway for Dreamers to earn citizenship through their service and dedication to the country.
Supporters of the Enlist Act argue that it is a way to honor the sacrifices and contributions of Dreamers, who have grown up in the United States and consider it their home. They believe that allowing Dreamers to serve in the military is a way to give back to the country and show their commitment to its values. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that it is unfair to prioritize the citizenship of Dreamers over other immigrants who have followed the legal process to become citizens. They also raise concerns about the potential impact on national security and the military's readiness if undocumented immigrants are allowed to enlist. Overall, the Enlist Act of 2023 is a controversial piece of legislation that seeks to address the status of Dreamers in the United States by providing them with a pathway to citizenship through military service. It remains to be seen whether this bill will be passed by Congress and become law.
Congressional Summary of S 2401
Enlist Act of 2023
This bill authorizes certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) to enlist in the Armed Forces, including individuals who are beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. (DACA provides eligible individuals, generally individuals who unlawfully entered the United States as a child, with protection from deportation.)
Under this bill, a non-U.S. national may be eligible to enlist in the Armed Forces if the individual (1) is a beneficiary of DACA or a successor policy, even if a court terminates such a policy; (2) has temporary protected status; or (3) has an approved immigrant visa application but has been unable to adjust to lawful permanent resident status because a visa is not available (or the individual turned 21 years old before a visa became available). Furthermore, to be eligible to enlist under this bill, the individual must also (1) meet the security and suitability requirements related to enlistment; and (2) have been continuously physically present in the United States for five years, with certain exceptions.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must stay removal proceedings against an individual who has enlisted under this bill if the individual (1) has served honorably in the Armed Forces, or (2) is a veteran and was not separated from service except under honorable conditions.
If an individual has enlisted under this bill, DHS must consider the individual's honorable service in the Armed Forces when determining, for immigration purposes, whether the individual has good moral character.
