# Plain Language Summary: Repatriate Our Patriots Act

This bill protects non-citizen military veterans from being deported and makes it easier for them to become U.S. citizens. Specifically, it applies to people who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces but never became citizens. The law says these veterans cannot be removed from the country, even if they would normally be subject to deportation for other reasons. It also streamlines the citizenship process so they can become naturalized citizens more quickly—the government has to process their applications within 90 days instead of the usual timeline.

The bill includes important safeguards by excluding veterans convicted of serious crimes like murder, rape, terrorism-related offenses, or child abuse. It only protects those who received honorable discharges from the military. For veterans who are currently in removal proceedings (the legal process to deport someone), the government must cancel those proceedings. For veterans who were already deported before this law passes, the bill creates a program allowing them to return to the U.S. as permanent residents within six months.

The law also addresses practical matters like helping veterans who are living overseas apply for citizenship through U.S. embassies and consulates, and allowing those with disabilities to be excused from taking the citizenship oath if they can't understand it. Additionally, the government must keep better track of military veterans in the immigration system by identifying them early and maintaining records about their service, so they can be helped through the naturalization process.

Repatriate Our Patriots Act

Gonzalez, Vicente

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.