LULAC Applauds Legislation that Protects “Green Card” Veterans
March 24, 2017
WASHINGTON, DC - This week, Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) introduced H.R. 1405, the Veterans Visa and Protection Act. The bill would facilitate naturalization for thousands of legal permanent resident (LPR) veterans, safeguard their access to health benefits, and end deportation for those currently involved in deportation proceedings.
“Our veterans have heeded the ultimate call to public service and have put themselves in danger to protect and preserve the freedoms that we cherish each day,” said LULAC National President Roger C. Rocha, Jr. “Veterans have played an integral role in the formation and growth of LULAC, and we are proud of their commitment to serving this nation at home and abroad. Legal permanent resident veterans are part of our communities, and we steadfastly support this legislation that allows them to live with dignity in the country they honorably defended.”
Thousands of legal permanent residents were recruited to serve in the military, and many have faced deportation after their military service, along with members of their families. To combat this, LULAC councils across the country are engaging in advocacy efforts to halt the deportations of LPR veterans and their families. Earlier this year, LULAC members, veterans, and other advocates visited congressional offices and discussed many of the issues concerning LPR veterans, including access to critical health resources for returning veterans and protections for veterans and gold star families at risk for deportation.
“After defending our nation abroad, it is unacceptable that LPR veterans are greeted with deportation upon their return to the United States,” said Rocha. “Veteran's issues transcend party lines, and we look forward to working with all Members of Congress toward common-sense solutions that address the issues facing LPR veterans and their families. LULAC will continue to protect our veterans so that they can enjoy the same freedoms that they have fought valiantly to defend.”
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The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.lulac.org.