ICYMI: Rep. Grijalva Hosts Roundtable on Veterans Visa & Protection Act

Tolleson, AZ — Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva hosted a roundtable discussion Friday with veterans, immigration advocates, and community leaders to discuss the recently introduced Veterans Visa & Protection Act, bicameral legislation that would establish a pathway to permanent residency for deported veterans and help prevent the deportation of veterans in the future.

The conversation focused on the experiences of immigrant servicemembers and veterans, barriers to obtaining citizenship through military service, and the urgent need to ensure those who served the United States can remain with their families and access the benefits they earned. Participants shared personal stories and discussed the lasting impact deportation policies have had on veterans, military families, and communities across Arizona and the nation. Among them was Alex Murillo, a deported veteran who was separated from his family and forced to live in exile in Mexico for 11 years following his removal from the United States.

“We want to protect veterans from deportation, protect those who are currently in danger of deportation, and bring deported veterans’ home,” said Murillo. “A veteran is someone who defends and protects this country, and we cannot leave them behind.”

The Veterans Visa & Protection Act would provide long-overdue protections for immigrant veterans and create a process for deported veterans to return to the United States and obtain lawful permanent resident status. Participants emphasized the importance of advancing the legislation and ensuring that no veteran is separated from their family because of their immigration status.

“Immigrant servicemembers answer the same call to serve and sacrifice as anyone else who wears the uniform,” said Rep. Grijalva. “They deserve the opportunity to build their lives here, remain with their families, and receive the benefits they earned through their service. The Veterans Visa & Protection Act is a critical step toward correcting these injustices and honoring our commitment to those who have served this country.”

You can see her video statement here.

A one-pager explaining the bill is available here.