Present status of the problem immigrants in the

Present status of the problem
Immigrants in the military are quietly being discharged so they may then be deported.
Any medical or financial issues they may be facing are not being helped because of the
deportation. As previously stated, there are as many as 11,800 military veterans and their
families facing the fear of deportation.
Populations affected (or disproportionately affected) by this problem
Immigrants who have joined the United States military to gain citizenship in this country.
Many of these immigrants are from the Philippines and Mexico. According to Jeanne Batalova
(2008), at least 22.8 percent (14,854) of the military are from the Philippines and 9.5 percent
(6,188) are from Mexico. There are also 4.7 percent (3,064) from Jamaica, 3.1 percent (2,007)
from Korea, and 2.5 percent (1,374) from the Dominican Republic serving in the U.S. military as
well. These immigrants, along with their families, are facing the threat of deportation despite
their service.
Organizations researching or advocating on the problem
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
United Service Organizations (USO)
Bob Woodruff Family Foundation
PAST POLICY
Policy origins
This policy was first developed from the World War I Veterans Bonus Bill. It was first
used a reward for helping to protect our country. It was then also used to help those affected by
the Great Depression.

Policy evolution
The policy has evolved from the World War I Veterans Bonus Bill to the Migration
Policy, and it is now in the process of being evolved into the I-VETS Act.
CURRENT POLICY
Current law, regulations, rules, funding sources or organizational policies
The current law states that immigrant vets serving in the military are granted citizenship
into the U.S. provided they follow the steps
Current benefits and services associated with the policy
The veterans and their family can receive disability compensation, naturalization,
financial assistance, education and training, a pension, life insurance, and vocational
rehabilitation and employment (“Department of Veteran Affairs”).
Pros and cons of current policies
Pros:
Immigrants can receive citizenship in exchange for military service. Their families are
also able to receive citizenship for their service.
Cons:
The families are not necessarily guaranteed citizenship if the service member passes
before a certain time frame is met. Even if the time frame is met, there is still no guarantee they
will be protected.
POLICY PROPOSAL
What is the proposed policy?
Identifying and tracking immigrants who have or are serving in the military and are
requesting legalization.
Who is proposing it and why?

Representative Juan Vargas is proposing the bill. He did so because he believes they
have earned the right to the full extent of the benefits other military members are receiving
regardless of their immigration status (“Rep. Juan Vargas,” 2017).