WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03) voted to pass H.R. 7946, the Veteran Service Recognition Act of 2022, which facilitates the ability of non-citizen service members to apply for naturalization and creates pathways for noncitizens and their families to obtain lawful permanent status in the United States.

“It’s our nation’s responsibility to keep the promises we made to veterans in return for their sacrifices, including creating a clear pathway to citizenship for our immigrant veterans,” said Rep. Grijalva. “The Veteran Service Recognition Act will codify protections for eligible immigrant veterans and end the deportation of them and their families. Passage of this legislation is a critical step that will make the naturalization process easier for servicemembers and their families so they never have to experience the fear of deportation. I urge the Senate to pass this legislation and send it to the President’s desk.”

Rep. Grijalva has long championed legislation, like the Veterans Visa And Protection Act, to establish a veteran visa program which would permit eligible deported veterans to permanently return to the United States as a Lawful Permanent Resident and be eligible for naturalization.

More information on the Veteran Service Recognition Act is available here.

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