H.R. 5535: Veteran Service Recognition Act of 2025

The Veteran Service Recognition Act of 2025 aims to provide certain benefits for noncitizen members of the Armed Forces and address their immigration status. Here are the key components of the bill:

Study on Noncitizen Veterans

The bill requires a study to be conducted by the Secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs within one year of its enactment. This study must:

• Determine the number of noncitizen veterans removed from the U.S. since January 1, 1990.
• Gather information on their service duration, country of nationality, grounds for removal, and details on whether they appealed their removal orders.
• Provide summaries on those who served honorably or otherwise and who applied for benefits.

A report with the study's findings is to be submitted to Congress within 90 days of its completion.

Information System for Veteran Status

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is tasked with creating a system within 180 days of enactment to:

• Identify noncitizens who are veterans.
• Share this information within various DHS components and ensure it’s considered in any removal proceedings against noncitizen veterans.
• Require training for immigration personnel regarding this identification protocol.

Military Family Immigration Advisory Committee

An advisory committee will be established to review cases of removal proceedings involving military members, veterans, or their family members, offering recommendations on whether discretion should be exercised in these cases.

The committee will consider several factors, including military service and community contributions, and must provide recommendations within 30 days of identifying a case.

Pathway to Citizenship for Noncitizen Service Members

The bill establishes a program allowing eligible noncitizens who serve in the Armed Forces to apply for naturalization at any time during or after their service. Specific steps include:

• Issuing certifications required for naturalization within 30 days of a request.
• Training for military recruitment personnel on citizenship procedures for noncitizen recruits.
• Annual reporting on noncitizen enlistments, naturalizations, and discharges.

Return of Eligible Veterans

The Secretary of Homeland Security may adjust the immigration status of noncitizen veterans who have been removed or have a final removal order, waiving certain inadmissibility grounds if deemed in the public interest. This includes:

• Allowing these veterans to apply for lawful permanent resident status.
• Ensuring that individuals shown to be eligible for residency are not removed before their case is resolved.

Adjustment of Status for Family Members

The bill also allows certain immediate relatives of U.S. citizen service members or veterans to adjust their status under specific conditions, making legal residency more accessible.

Definitions and Scope

The bill defines important terms, including "noncitizen," "veteran," and "covered family member," to ensure clarity in implementation.

Relevant Companies

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