Protect Patriot Parents Act

This bill makes it easier for certain noncitizen parents of U.S. service members to get a green card. If your U.S. citizen son or daughter is serving now or served in the Armed Forces and left with an honorable discharge, you could apply for a green card in the U.S. even if you entered without permission or had past unlawful presence. Some past immigration problems could be forgiven if the government decides you are not a threat and have no crimes beyond immigration issues .

It also helps parents who were deported or left the country before the law takes effect. They could apply from outside the U.S., and there would be a way to come back temporarily to reunite with their U.S. citizen son or daughter while their case is being decided, if they pass security checks. Certain entry bars could be waived to allow that temporary return.

Key points

• Who is covered: Noncitizen parents of a U.S. citizen who is serving or previously served in the Armed Forces and left with honorable conditions.
• What changes: Treated as if they were legally admitted for green card purposes; some immigration violations don’t block them, and other bars can be waived if they are not a public threat and have no non–status crimes .
• Past removals: Eligible parents who were removed or left voluntarily before the law can apply from abroad and may be allowed back temporarily while their applications are pending, after security review.