Congressional Hearing Highlights Ongoing Challenges for Non-Citizen Veterans

What Happened at the Congressional Hearing

On December 11, 2025, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem appeared before the House Homeland Security Committee for what became a contentious hearing focused partially on the deportation of military veterans. During her testimony, Secretary Noem stated that DHS had not deported any veterans under the current administration.

The hearing took a dramatic turn when Representative Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) challenged Noem’s testimony by facilitating a phone call from Sae Joon Park, a former Army Specialist who served in Iraq and earned a Purple Heart. Park, who self deported to South Korea in June 2025, spoke directly to the Secretary from overseas, explaining that he had been removed from the United States despite his military service.

Park’s case drew particular attention because of his combat service and the circumstances of his removal. According to news reports, Park served honorably in Iraq, was injured during his deployment, and received recognition for his service. Despite this record, he was deported after completing a prison sentence for a past conviction.

Following the exchange, Secretary Noem stated she would review Park’s case and committed to looking into his situation. The hearing ended with Noem departing before additional scheduled testimony, which drew criticism from some lawmakers.

Understanding the Scope of the Issue

The question of how many veterans have been deported from the United States remains difficult to answer definitively. The government does not maintain comprehensive records tracking which individuals removed from the country previously served in the U.S. military.

Advocacy organizations have provided estimates suggesting the number could be substantial. Some reports indicate that as many as 10,000 veterans may have been deported over recent decades, though these figures are difficult to verify due to the lack of official tracking systems. Veterans advocacy groups working along the U.S.-Mexico border and in other locations have documented hundreds of individual cases.

The issue spans multiple administrations and reflects broader questions about immigration policy, military service, and citizenship. It affects service members who served honorably but either never became citizens or lost their ability to remain in the United States due to criminal convictions.

Who Is Affected

This issue primarily affects two groups of service members:

Non-citizen service members who never naturalized: Foreign-born individuals who join the U.S. military are eligible for expedited naturalization, but citizenship is not automatic. Service members must actively apply for naturalization and complete the required process. Many serve their entire enlistment without becoming citizens, sometimes due to lack of information, administrative barriers, or simply not prioritizing the application during their service.

Naturalized citizens who lost their status: In rare cases involving fraud or other specific circumstances, naturalized citizenship can be revoked. However, the vast majority of cases involve lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who served in the military but never naturalized.

Many affected veterans came to the United States as children, grew up in American communities, and enlisted in the military as legal residents. They may have limited connections to their countries of birth and may not speak the language fluently. Combat veterans with service-connected disabilities have found themselves deported to countries where they lack access to VA healthcare and other benefits earned through their service.

Military Naturalization Process

The U.S. military has recruited non-citizens since the Revolutionary War. Today, foreign-born service members who are lawful permanent residents can enlist in most branches of the military. These service members are eligible for expedited naturalization through special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Key Benefits of Military Naturalization

Service members who naturalize through military service receive significant advantages compared to civilian applicants:

No residency waiting period: Civilian applicants typically must reside in the United States as lawful permanent residents for five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen) before applying for citizenship. Eligible military members can apply after just one day of honorable service during peacetime, or with no minimum service time during designated periods of hostilities (which have been continuous since September 11, 2001).

No application fees: While civilian naturalization applications involve substantial fees (currently over $700), military members applying under the special military provisions pay no fees.

Overseas processing available: Service members stationed overseas can complete the entire naturalization process, including the interview and oath ceremony, without returning to the United States. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) works with military installations worldwide to facilitate this process.

Application Requirements

To naturalize through military service, service members must:

• Complete Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
• Submit Form N-426 (Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service), which must be certified by an O-6 or above in their chain of command for current service members, or provide DD Form 214 or other discharge documents for separated service members
• Demonstrate honorable service and separation under honorable conditions (if separated)
• Pass English and civics tests (with some exceptions based on age or disability)
• Demonstrate good moral character
• Take the Oath of Allegiance

Why Many Service Members Don’t Naturalize

Despite the streamlined process and significant benefits, many non-citizen service members complete their service without naturalizing. Common barriers include:

• Lack of awareness about the process or its importance
• Deployment and training schedules that make it difficult to complete administrative tasks
• Assuming citizenship happens automatically through service
• Administrative challenges in getting paperwork processed
• Limited access to USCIS liaisons at some installations
• Language barriers in understanding the naturalization requirements

Why Deportations of Veterans Happen

Veterans face deportation primarily when they are lawful permanent residents (not naturalized citizens) and are convicted of certain crimes. U.S. immigration law makes deportation mandatory for many categories of criminal convictions, regardless of an individual’s ties to the United States or history of military service.

Criminal Convictions and Immigration Consequences

Immigration law defines several categories of crimes that can trigger deportation for non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents:

• Aggravated felonies (a broad category that includes many offenses)
• Crimes involving moral turpitude
• Controlled substance violations
• Firearms offenses
• Domestic violence convictions

Research indicates that veterans face unique challenges that may contribute to involvement with the criminal justice system. According to advocacy organizations, approximately one in three veterans has been arrested or jailed at least once. Many of these encounters with law enforcement stem from issues related to military service, including:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Substance abuse issues developed during or after service
• Difficulties transitioning to civilian life
• Mental health challenges related to combat exposure

No Military Service Exception

Current immigration law does not provide an exemption from deportation based on military service. An immigration judge has limited discretion in many deportation cases, particularly those involving mandatory removal categories. While military service may be considered as a positive factor, it does not provide protection from deportation for non-citizens convicted of deportable offenses.

Resources for Non-Citizen Service Members and Veterans

Several programs and organizations provide support to non-citizen service members and veterans facing immigration issues:

Government Resources

Immigrant Military Members and Veterans Initiative (IMMVI): Launched in July 2021 by DHS and the Department of Veterans Affairs, this initiative focuses on supporting non-citizen service members, veterans, and their immediate family members. IMMVI works to facilitate the return of deported veterans and improve access to naturalization for service members.

Military OneSource: Provides guidance on citizenship, naturalization, language interpretation, and document translation services for military members and their families.

USCIS Military Help Line: A toll-free service (877-CIS-4MIL or 877-247-4645) dedicated to assisting service members and their families with naturalization questions. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Installation USCIS Liaisons: Many military installations have designated USCIS liaisons who assist with the naturalization process. These liaisons are typically located in community service centers, family liaison offices, or Judge Advocate General (JAG) offices.

Legal Assistance and Advocacy Organizations

Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef): Operates a Deported Veterans Project that provides legal representation to veterans seeking to return to the United States after deportation.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Multiple ACLU affiliates, particularly in California, have worked extensively on deported veterans issues since 2015, partnering with veteran-led organizations and providing legal support.

Veterans Service Organizations: Major VSOs including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and others have advocated for legislation to address veteran deportations and may provide referrals to immigration legal services.

JAG Legal Assistance: Current service members can access free legal assistance through Judge Advocate General offices on military installations for guidance on naturalization and immigration matters.

Legislative and Administrative Efforts

Multiple legislative proposals have sought to address the deportation of veterans and improve pathways to citizenship for military members:

Veteran Service Recognition Act (VSRA)

This bipartisan legislation, introduced in Congress, would create several protections:

• Support non-citizen service members in applying for citizenship during basic training
• Require immigration enforcement agencies to consider military service in deportation decisions
• Create pathways for deported veterans to return to the United States
• Provide accurate information and assistance to service members throughout the naturalization process

Veterans Visa and Protection Act

This proposal would prevent the deportation of veteran non-citizens except in cases of violent offenses and establish a visa program allowing deported veterans to return as lawful permanent residents.

Administrative Actions

The Immigrant Military Members and Veterans Initiative represents the most comprehensive administrative effort to address these issues. The program focuses on:

• Identifying and facilitating the return of deported veterans
• Improving naturalization processes for current service members
• Ensuring better communication about citizenship options
• Coordinating between DHS, VA, and Department of Defense to address veteran needs

According to advocacy organizations, at least 175 deported veterans have been able to return to the United States through various administrative pathways, though this represents a small fraction of those who may have been removed.

What Service Members Should Know

If you are a non-citizen service member:

• Start the naturalization process as early as possible during your service
• Contact your installation’s USCIS liaison or the USCIS Military Help Line for guidance
• Ask your command about getting Form N-426 certified
• Military naturalization has no fees and requires minimal waiting periods
• You can complete the process while stationed overseas
• Naturalization protects you from deportation and provides full citizenship rights

If you are a veteran who never naturalized:

• You may still be eligible to naturalize based on your service if you apply within six months of honorable discharge, or possibly under civilian naturalization rules if more time has passed
• Contact USCIS or an immigration attorney to evaluate your options
• Your DD Form 214 will be essential documentation for your application
• If you have a criminal record, consult with an immigration attorney about potential consequences

If you are facing immigration enforcement actions:

• Seek legal counsel immediately from an immigration attorney
• Contact the organizations listed above for potential assistance
• Document your military service thoroughly
• Do not sign any documents without legal advice
• The IMMVI initiative may provide options for current cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Does military service automatically grant citizenship?

No. While military service provides a streamlined pathway to citizenship with significant advantages, naturalization is not automatic. Service members must actively apply for citizenship and complete the naturalization process.

Can veterans access VA benefits if they are deported?

Veterans living overseas, including those who have been deported, remain eligible for many VA benefits regardless of immigration status. However, practical barriers often prevent deported veterans from accessing these benefits. VA healthcare, for example, is primarily available through VA facilities, and deported veterans may face challenges returning to the United States for medical care even though they legally qualify for services.

How many veterans have been deported?

The exact number is unknown because the government does not maintain comprehensive records tracking military service among individuals who are deported. Advocacy organizations estimate the number could be in the thousands over recent decades, with at least several hundred documented cases.

Can a deported veteran return to the United States?

It is possible but challenging. Options may include seeking pardons for past criminal convictions, applying for discretionary relief through programs like IMMVI, pursuing other forms of immigration relief, or waiting for legislative changes. Each case is unique and requires consultation with an immigration attorney.

What branches of service allow non-citizens to enlist?

The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, and National Guard all allow lawful permanent residents to enlist. Specific requirements and availability may vary by branch and time period. Generally, applicants must be lawful permanent residents (green card holders).

Is there a deadline for military naturalization?

Service members can apply for military naturalization at any time during their service or within six months of honorable discharge. After six months from discharge, they may still apply for naturalization but would typically need to meet civilian naturalization requirements, including residency periods and fees.