Immigration Enforcement: Actions Needed to Better Handle, Identify, and Track Cases Involving Veterans
Abstract
Throughout U.S. history, noncitizens have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Although the Immigration and Nationality Act allows noncitizen servicemembers to acquire citizenship, some veterans may not apply or may not satisfy all eligibility criteria. If the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines that a noncitizen veteran is potentially removable, the veteran may be subject to administrative immigration enforcement and removal. ICE, among other things, is responsible for identifying and removing aliens who violate U.S. immigration law. GAO was asked to review issues related to the removal of noncitizen veterans. This report examines (1) the extent to which ICE has developed and implemented policies for handling and tracking cases of potentially removable veterans; (2) how federal agencies facilitate the naturalization of noncitizen service members and veterans, and what is known about the number who have applied for naturalization; and (3) how removal affects veterans' eligibility for and access to VA benefits and services. GAO reviewed documentation, met with agency officials, analyzed available data on veterans placed in removal proceedings, and conducted are view of removed veterans' alien files. GAO also analyzed data on military naturalization applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1173043
Entities
People
- Ashley Davis
- Claire Peachey
- Eric Hauswirth
- James Whitcomb
- Khaki Lariviere
- Meg Ullengren
- Mike Silver
- Natalie Swabb
- Rebecca Gambler
- Sasan J. Najmi
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office