The Biden White House and Department of Homeland Security announced an effort Friday to help deported veterans and their families return to the United States.
The administration is also ordering a stop to deportation cases against veterans and their immediate family members currently in progress, said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, allowing them to apply for citizenship.
“The Department of Homeland Security recognizes the profound commitment and sacrifice that service members and their families have made to the United States of America,” said the secretary in a statement. “We are committed to bringing back military service members, veterans, and their immediate family members who were unjustly removed and ensuring they receive the benefits to which they may be entitled.”
It fulfills a campaign promise President Joe Biden made to halt deportation efforts for veterans and their families and help veterans deported by Donald Trump return to the country.
Some of those veterans have been unable to receive sufficient healthcare after being forced out.
The department said a forthcoming website and phone hotline will assist veterans with the immigration application process.
Traditionally, authorities only deported veterans who were convicted of committing a crime.
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