IL HR1202

Recognizes significant number of non-citizen veterans from World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq War, and Afghanistan War who have been deported from the United States and face severe hardship.

Notes that more than 65,000 non-citizen immigrants were serving in the U.S. Armed Forces as of 2008, with over 8,000 non-citizens enlisting annually, and approximately 3,000 veterans are currently in immigration detention or removal proceedings.

States that Immigration Reform Act of 1996 expanded deportable offenses to include shoplifting, misdemeanor drug offenses, and minor crimes, enabling deportation of veterans who have fallen on hard times.

Urges U.S. Congress and the President to provide deported veterans and their families with honors and benefits they have earned, including access to Veterans Affairs benefits and mental health resources.

Directs copies of the resolution be sent to President Barack Obama, House Speaker Paul Ryan, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.