Bill · H.R. 8971· House(119-HR-8971)
Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 5/21/2026
- Last activity
- 6/12/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Sponsored by
- Adelita Grijalva
- Cosponsors
- - 15 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Veterans Visa and Protection Act of 2026 directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to create a program for eligible veterans to return to or remain in the United States as permanent residents. This includes veterans who were previously removed or are currently inadmissible. The bill requires the Attorney General to reopen removal proceedings and rescind orders for qualifying individuals. It also provides protections against removal for noncitizen service members and veterans, provided they have not been convicted of a crime of violence. Furthermore, the act facilitates naturalization through military service and ensures access to military and veterans benefits. Finally, it establishes protocols for identifying and tracking service members and veterans within the immigration system.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+9
The bill provides substantial benefits, including permanent residency and protection from removal, for qualifying veterans.
Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens?+9
The bill creates a clear path to permanent residency and naturalization for eligible veterans through their military service.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+8
The act facilitates the restoration and access to military and veterans benefits for qualifying individuals.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Path to Permanent Residency: The bill establishes a program to allow eligible veterans outside the U.S. to be admitted as permanent residents and those within the U.S. to adjust their status (Section 3(a)).
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Rescinding Removal Orders: For noncitizen veterans facing final orders of removal, the Attorney General is directed to reopen proceedings and rescind those orders if they are deemed eligible (Section 3(b)).
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Protection from Removal: Noncitizen service members and veterans are protected from removal unless they have been convicted of a crime of violence (Section 4).
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Path to Citizenship: Individuals who obtain permanent residency through this program are eligible for naturalization through their service in the Armed Forces (Section 5(a)).
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Simplified Naturalization Standards: When determining good moral character for naturalization, the Secretary must disregard the grounds on which the individual was previously removed or found inadmissible (Section 5(b)(1)).
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Continuous Residence Benefits: The bill allows the Secretary to disregard periods of absence caused by removal or inadmissibility when meeting requirements for continuous residence or physical presence for naturalization (Section 5(b)(2)).
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Restoration of Benefits: Veterans who obtain permanent residency under this act are eligible for all military and veterans benefits they would have been entitled to if they had not been removed or found inadmissible (Section 6).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Criminal Conviction Restrictions: Veterans who were removed due to a conviction for a crime of violence or a crime that endangers national security (with a prison term of at least 5 years) are generally ineligible for the program unless a waiver is granted (Section 3(e)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+9Good For Immigrants+7
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Pathway To Citizenship+9
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+8
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare+7
- 10/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/15/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/27/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/12/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 5/21/2026
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 12 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
5 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
André CarsonDemocrat · Indiana
J. CorreaDemocrat · California
Troy CarterDemocrat · Louisiana
Danny DavisDemocrat · Illinois
Al GreenDemocrat · Texas
Jonathan JacksonDemocrat · Illinois
Raja KrishnamoorthiDemocrat · Illinois
John LarsonDemocrat · Connecticut
Gwen MooreDemocrat · Wisconsin
Seth MoultonDemocrat · Massachusetts
Seth MagazinerDemocrat · Rhode Island
LaMonica McIverDemocrat · New Jersey
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Marilyn StricklandDemocrat · Washington
Dina TitusDemocrat · Nevada