H.R. 717: Repatriate Our Patriots Act
Quick Facts
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34)
Congress: 118th
Date Introduced: February 1, 2023
Last Action: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (February 1, 2023)
Bill Summary
Repatriate Our Patriots Act
This bill protects certain veterans of the Armed Forces from removal from the United States and provides such veterans with an expedited procedure for naturalization.
The bill applies to special veterans, defined as persons who served in the active Armed Forces who were (1) honorably discharged or released; (2) not convicted of various crimes, including voluntary manslaughter, murder, rape, or terrorism; and (3) not a child abuser or pedophile.
Special veterans may not be removed from the United States, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must cancel any pending removal proceedings or orders against any such veterans. DHS must also establish a program to permit such veterans who were already removed from the United States to return to as lawful permanent residents.
Special veterans shall be naturalized upon filing an application, paying the relevant fees, and taking an oath of allegiance. DHS must take steps to ensure such naturalization applications are pending for no longer than 90 days.