S.Amdt. 4400

Ms. Duckworth submitted an amendment to bill S. 1383 to add a new title called the Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2026.

The purpose of this amendment is to provide a pathway for noncitizen veterans and service members to remain in or return to the United States. It aims to change the law by adding the following:

• Status Adjustment and Return: It requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to create a program allowing eligible noncitizen veterans outside the U.S. to be admitted as lawful permanent residents and those inside the U.S. to adjust their status.

• Removal Proceedings: The Attorney General must reopen removal proceedings for noncitizen veterans with final orders of removal to determine if they are eligible. If they are, the removal order is rescinded and their status is adjusted to lawful permanent resident.

• Protection from Removal: Noncitizen veterans or service members cannot be removed from the U.S. unless they have been convicted of a crime of violence.

• Eligibility and Waivers: To be eligible, the veteran must not have been removed based on a crime of violence or a national security crime involving at least 5 years of imprisonment. The Secretary can waive these requirements for public interest, family unity, humanitarian purposes, or exceptional military service.

• Naturalization and Benefits: Eligible noncitizens can seek naturalization through military service. The Secretary will disregard certain prior removal or inadmissibility grounds when determining "good moral character." These veterans also regain access to military and veterans benefits.

• Identification and Tracking: The Secretary must identify noncitizen service members and veterans before starting removal proceedings, require supervisory approval for such proceedings, and maintain records of their military service and immigration status.