Congresswoman Ramirez Statement Calling for the Expedited Return of Deported Veterans

Chicago, IL— Today, in commemoration of Veterans Day, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement calling for expedited action to return 5 deported veterans home to Illinois and others throughout the nation.  

“Over the years, servicemembers –independently of their migration status– have served in the United States Armed Forces. Despite their service and sacrifice, too many undocumented veterans have faced deportation due to a failed immigration system that does not honor who we say we are as a nation. As we celebrate our veterans, we must remember those who today find themselves living in exile, separated from their families, and often struggling to access the benefits and support they earned through their service. It is time to return these veterans home and deliver justice and support. Today, I call on Governor Pritzker, President Biden, and every elected official to use the full power of local and federal government to reunite families and honor every veteran with actions. For Sergio Andrade, Jiji Thomas Kurian, Elsworth Alexander Smith, Mark Osmond Isaacs, Gerardo Emiterio Lopez Flores: the time to act is today!”

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
Today, Congresswoman Ramirez also joined local veterans and veteran-serving organizations for a roundtable and a press conference to announce a new piece of legislation she will be introducing to address the crisis of unhoused veterans. After the recent election results, Ramirez and the local veterans also discussed the importance of passing legislation to protect education benefits, address student loan debt, and expand health care benefits that must be championed in a bipartisan spirit.

For the recording of the press conference, CLICK HERE.

For photos of the event, CLICK HERE.

###