Dear John,


Last week, I sat down with John Quiñones on ABC Nightline to discuss the reintroduction of my Veteran Service Recognition Act. Far too often our service members are deported without any weight given to their military service, but my bill seeks to change that.

This legislation would:
  • Allow noncitizen service members to apply for naturalization during basic training;
  • Establish a review process for those who are in removal proceedings; and
  • Provide an opportunity for noncitizen veterans who have been removed or ordered removed and who have not been convicted of serious crimes to obtain legal permanent resident status.
You can watch the full segment here.

This is my latest commitment to ensuring that all servicemembers are treated with dignity. Earlier this year my Korean American VALOR Act was passed by the House of Representatives, which expands eligibility of VA benefits to more veterans of the Vietnam War.

As always, please stay in touch with my office about issues concerning you and your families.
Sincerely,



Mark Takano
Member of Congress