Rep. Gonzalez files bill to bring back deported vets, expedite citizenship

WASHINGTON — Deported veterans would be able to return home and their citizenship application process would be expedited under legislation introduced in the U.S. House on Wednesday by Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, and two other congressmen.

Gonzalez was joined by Reps. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, and Don Young, R-Alaska, in introducing the Repatriate Our Patriots Act, according to a news release.

"These veterans served our nation honorably," Gonzalez said. "This legislation is our chance to bring back our deported veterans, prevent future deportations, and make sure that the federal government takes better care of all those who put their lives on the line for our freedom."

The bill would allow deported veterans who were honorably discharged or released to go through the naturalization process abroad, the news release states. This excludes those who have been convicted of crimes such as voluntary manslaughter, murder, rape, sexual abuse of a minor, child abuse, and/or terrorism.

Federal authorities estimate anywhere from several hundred to as many as 3,000 men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces have been deported since 2007, according to a 2012 article by the Veterans United Network.

All veterans and active service members who have a lawful permanent resident status are eligible for expedited naturalization through the Immigration and Nationality Act, but there are many who never completed the process and face deportation if convicted of a crime.

"This legislation is an important step toward treating every veteran with the respect they have earned through their service and sacrifice," O'Rourke said.

The legislation would have the Attorney General cancel or rescind a removal order that effects any eligible veteran, and subsequently change his or her status to legal permanent resident, the release states.

It would also require the Secretary of Homeland Security to create a program and application procedure to allow veterans, who are eligible and were removed prior to the bill's enactment, to return to the U.S. as a lawfully admitted permanent resident.

Veterans who meet the bill's requirements would also regain access to all military and veteran's benefits. Finally, the bill would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to identify and maintain records of immigration cases involving qualifying veterans.