Honor Their Service Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35]
- Committees
- Veterans' Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 18, 2026
Bottom line
The "Honor Their Service Act" establishes a grant program within the VA to fund legal aid for noncitizen veterans facing immigration challenges, aiming to ensure access to justice for those who served.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a grant program for eligible public or nonprofit private entities. These grants are specifically for providing immigration legal services to noncitizen veterans who are in removal proceedings, at risk of removal, or have already been removed from the United States. Services include defense in removal proceedings, naturalization applications, parole applications, assistance with lawful reentry, and discharge characterization upgrades.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill honors the service of noncitizen veterans by providing them with critical legal assistance to navigate complex immigration systems, preventing deportation of those who served the U.S. military, and helping them achieve naturalization or lawful reentry. It addresses a moral obligation to those who risked their lives for the country.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that providing immigration legal services falls outside the core mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs, potentially diverting resources from traditional veteran benefits. Some may also raise concerns about the cost of such a program or question the extent of government responsibility for noncitizen immigration issues, even for veterans.
The bill is concise and easily readable, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(a), adding Chapter 25, Section 2501(a) to Title 38, U.S. Code.
Establishment of VA Grant Program for Immigration Legal Services
This provision establishes a new chapter in Title 38, United States Code, authorizing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to award grants. These grants are specifically for public or nonprofit private entities that provide immigration legal services to noncitizen veterans who are facing removal, at risk of removal, or have already been removed from the United States. The grants are subject to the availability of appropriations.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this is a crucial step to ensure noncitizen veterans, who have honorably served the U.S., receive necessary legal support to resolve their immigration status, preventing unjust deportations and facilitating naturalization.
Critics contend
Some critics might argue that this expands the VA's mission beyond its traditional scope of healthcare and benefits, potentially straining resources or creating new administrative burdens.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the moral obligation to veterans with concerns about expanding federal agency mandates and potential resource allocation conflicts within the VA.
Section 2(a), adding Chapter 25, Section 2501(d) to Title 38, U.S. Code.
Scope of Immigration Legal Services Covered by Grants
This section specifies the types of immigration legal services that can be funded by the grants. These include defense in removal proceedings, assistance with naturalization applications (including military naturalization), applications for parole (like parole in place or humanitarian parole), legal services for removed veterans seeking lawful reentry, and requests to upgrade discharge characterizations if they are a barrier to immigration relief or naturalization.
Section 2(d).
Authorization of Appropriations
This section authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 to carry out the grant program for fiscal years 2027 through 2030. This sets the financial ceiling for the program's initial years, indicating the maximum amount Congress can choose to fund for this initiative during that period.