Americans have plenty of ways to show patriotism, but the ultimate show of love toward one’s country continues to be defending it. This comes in many forms throughout the U.S. military and comes from people from all walks of life. Unfortunately, some of the people who have sacrificed to keep the United States free find themselves facing deportation. The Veterans Service Recognition Act 2022 is aiming to change that. It has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now is heading to the Senate, where mixed feelings will decide its fate. Read next:What Happens if the National Guard GI Bill Expansion Passes (or Fails)?

The Veteran Service Recognition Act of 2022 Now Faces the Senate

Under the Veteran Service Recognition Act 2022, deported Veterans could return to the U.S. easier while non-citizen service members would have the chance to naturalize earlier. Additionally, it would make deporting non-citizen Veterans more difficult. If the bill passes the Senate, it will be sent to President Joe Biden for signing. But there is doubt that it will get that far, as Republicans oppose it and have enough seats to block its passage. Currently, non-citizens can become citizens through an expedited process by serving honorably in the American Armed Forces. However, there are still barriers in place, and many believe that officials aren’t informing those who qualify of this opportunity. "What American would deny that we should treat non-citizen Veterans with fairness and compassion? This is an opportunity to honor our brave Veterans for their heroism regardless of the country they were born in," said House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano, a Democrat, and the bill's sponsor. The Veteran Service Recognition Act 2022 is aiming to provide non-citizen service members the ability to apply for naturalization as soon as they begin serving. Additionally, the Pentagon would be required to have an employee from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or personnel trained in immigration law at every military entrance processing station. If they have not been convicted of a serious crime, deported Veterans can also apply to become legal permanent residents under the bill.

The Creation of the Military Family Immigration Advisory Committee

Immigrants in military Veteran communities being deported should also note that the Veteran Service Recognition Act 2022 is creating the Military Family Immigration Advisory Committee at the Department of Homeland Security. This committee will review deportation cases and military records and then suggest how to handle things going forward for the affected family.

How Many Immigrant Veterans Were Deported?

Since the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, the U.S. has deported thousands of Veterans. This figure, sources believe, may be as high as over 94,000 deported immigrant Veterans in total. Immigrant Veterans being deported is a complicated issue that stems from many different political and legal initiatives. But one thing is for certain; the law sparked an unfortunate new normal in which Veterans of the United States could be deported despite serving it. The complex issues that can go into the crimes connecting military service and readjustment to civilian life don’t give anyone a pass, but it does raise the question as to whether or not we are working to rehabilitate and help people that have fallen off the right path, or simply punish them despite their sacrifice.

Complex Factors Surround the Veteran Service Recognition Act

Looking at morality, lawfulness, and anything else surrounding the idea of Veterans committing crimes and being deported cannot leave out the harsh realities of those returning from military service. Mental and physical health issues can lead to drug use. These same issues can lead to Veterans acting out of character and committing violent crimes, such as domestic abuse. It’s no secret that the Veteran community, unfortunately, has issues with financial literacy, unemployment, and other socioeconomic issues. Giving Veterans a pass because they have fought isn’t the solution, as everyone must be held accountable for their actions, but deporting someone who has earned the right to be an American in a way millions never will doesn’t seem like the best solution either. The Veterans Service Recognition Act 2022 will have a lot to get through, but it can also provide a new future for immigrants who've joined the service. Overall, this could be a way to help an already marginalized community while still maintaining law and order. Suggested read:A New Proposed Bill Aims To Help Veteran Sexual Assault Survivors

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