Munoz052516SPRINGFIELD — A push is being made for deported veterans to be returned home to the United States by State Senators Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) and Antonio “Tony” Munoz (D-Chicago).

After fighting for our nation, many veterans struggle to integrate back into society and can develop substance abuse issues and legal problems. Some of these veterans, despite having legal permanent residence prior to serving in the armed forces, are deported to Mexico.

“People who put their lives on the line for our country deserve all the benefits that come with serving in our military,” Munoz said. “It’s appalling that we’ve been treating our veterans in this manner, and I urge Congress to take action on this issue.”

Munoz is the sponsor of SR 1913 that calls for limiting the deportation of veterans who are immigrants and urges Congress to pass H.R. 5012, the “Restoring Respect for Immigrant Service in Uniform Act.”

H.R. 5012 would prevent the deportation of veterans who have not committed a felony or significant misdemeanor. It also urges the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to allow veterans to be readmitted to the United States if they have not committed a serious crime.

Martinez is sponsoring a similar resolution, SR 1852 encourages the President of the United States and members of Congress to return veterans, who have been deported, to their families and communities in the United States.

“It’s shameful that people who put their lives on the line for our nation are being taken away from their families and being told you are no longer welcome here,” Martinez said. “We need to show compassion and reunite veterans with their family members and make sure America’s flawed deportation policy ends.”

There are no exact numbers on how many veterans have been deported. Immigration officials do not ask about military service during the deportation process.

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