The I-VETS Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to keep track of immigrants who are serving or have served in the U.S. military. Whenever someone applies for immigration benefits or gets caught up in an immigration enforcement case, DHS needs to identify whether they're a military member or veteran and make a note of it in their records. The key protection here is that military service cannot be used as a reason to deport someone from the country. In practical terms, this means that immigrants and non-citizens who have fought for the U.S. military get special protection—their military service acts as a shield against removal proceedings. This affects active duty service members, veterans, and their families who may be navigating the immigration system, ensuring their sacrifice and service are recognized and protected under law.

I–VETS Act

Duckworth, Tammy

Immigrant Veterans Eligibility Tracking System Act or the I-VETS ActThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to identify non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who are serving or have served as a member of the Armed Forces when the individual applies for an immigration benefit or is placed in an immigration enforcement proceeding. Such membership shall be reflected in DHS records and may not be used to remove an alien from the United States.