H.R. 6958: Parole Relief Offering Troops Expedited Compassionate Treatment of Military Families Act

This bill, titled the Parole Relief Offering Troops Expedited Compassionate Treatment of Military Families Act (PROTECT Military Families Act), seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act. Its primary focus is on allowing certain relatives of current and former members of the Armed Forces to enter the United States through a process called parole.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The main objectives of the bill include:

• **Parole for Certain Relatives**: The bill mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security is required to parole individuals who are close relatives—spouses, widows, widowers, parents, or children—of:
• Members of the Armed Forces on active duty.
• Members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve.
• Former members of the Armed Forces who served and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
• **Duration of Parole**: The individuals admitted under this provision will be given parole in one-year increments.
• **Denial of Parole**: An application for parole can only be denied if there is a joint written justification from the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. This requirement emphasizes a higher level of oversight and accountability in the denial process.
• **Transparency in Denials**: If parole is denied, the Secretary of Homeland Security must provide a detailed justification for the denial on a public website, although personal information about individuals will not be disclosed.

Impact on Relatives of Military Members

The primary aim of this bill is to provide a pathway for family members of military personnel to join them in the United States. It acknowledges the sacrifices made by military members and their families by facilitating a process for their loved ones to be paroled into the country.

Administration and Implementation

The implementation of this bill falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security, which will establish the processes necessary to evaluate and grant parole to eligible individuals based on the criteria outlined in the bill.

Relevant Companies

• None found