TOLLESON, Ariz. — Representative Adelita Grijalva visited the Valley last Friday to meet with veterans, immigration advocates and community leaders to discuss a bill she recently introduced to prevent the deportation of veterans.
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The Veterans Visa & Protection Act would protect immigrant veterans from deportation, bring back deported veterans to the United States and allow them to obtain their permanent resident status.
“While many lawful permanent residents serve honorably in the U.S. military, service alone does not automatically grant citizenship. Some service members mistakenly believe their enlistment oath confers citizenship, while others are discharged before completing the naturalization process, leaving them vulnerable to detention and deportation,” states Grijalva in a press release.
During Grijalva’s visit to Tolleson, a veteran who was separated from his family for 11 years after he was deported to Mexico was present and shared his experience.
“We want to protect veterans from deportation, protect those who are currently in danger of deportation, and bring deported veterans’ home,” said the veteran Alex Murillo. “A veteran is someone who defends and protects this country, and we cannot leave them behind.”
The shared stories echoed the importance of advancing the legislature.
“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.”
The legislation was introduced in both chambers, in the House of Representatives by Adelita Grijalva and in the Senate by Tammy Duckworth. It is currently in the committee phase, meaning it’s the initial review before each chamber approves or kills it.
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