Proposed
Bill · 119th Congress · HR 8971
Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2026
Refreshed 1 h ago
Introduced 2026-05-21Topic: immigrationSummary
AI-generated summary, report an errorThis bill would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to create a program, within 180 days, that lets noncitizen veterans who were removed from the United States return as lawful permanent residents, and lets eligible veterans already in the country adjust to that status. The Attorney General would reopen removal cases for veterans with final removal orders, and review pending cases, granting permanent residence to those found eligible. Veterans removed for a crime of violence or certain national security crimes with at least 5 years served would not qualify, though the Secretary could waive this. Noncitizen veterans and service members could not be removed unless convicted of a crime of violence. Returning veterans could apply for citizenship through military service and receive military and veterans benefits, and immigration officials would have to ask about and record military service before starting removal cases.
Sponsors
- Adelita S. Grijalva Democrat sponsor
- 15 cosponsors
Action history
| Date | Chamber | Action | Status effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-12 | House | Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. | refer |
| 2026-05-21 | House | Referred 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. | refer |
| 2026-05-21 | House | Referred 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. | refer |
| 2026-05-21 | House | Referred 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. | refer |
| 2026-05-21 | Introduced in House | introduce | |
| 2026-05-21 | Introduced in House | introduce |