The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched two new online resources for supporting noncitizen service members, veterans, and their families.
DHS partnered with the Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense (DoD) to launch the resources through its Immigrant Military Members and Veterans Initiative (IMMVI) to “host a one-stop online center to consolidate relevant Federal resources.”
“These new resources are just the first step to help support noncitizen service members and their families who have made tremendous sacrifices for our country,” said DHS Secretary Mayorkas. “We are committed to identifying previously removed veterans to ensure they are able to obtain VA benefits, access COVID-19 vaccines, and return to the United States as appropriate.”
The new one-stop resource center will consolidate existing resources and forms from DHS, VA, and DoD, along with other agencies, so that noncitizen service members, veterans, and their families can easily find forms and resources.
Additionally, as part of the resource center, DHS created a new portal to provide previously removed veterans with a more efficient way to contact the agency for assistance with any questions or issues as they seek assistance in returning to the U.S. or accessing VA benefits.
“Veterans qualify for VA benefits based on their service to our country and never on their immigration status,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “We are proud to work with our partners at DHS and DoD to honor the service of immigrant and noncitizen Veterans by ensuring that they have access to information about the care and services available to them.”
