Soto, Salazar Introduce Bill to Protect Military Spouses from Deportation

Representatives Darren Soto (D-FL) and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) came together to introduce the Protect Patriot Spouses Act, a bill designed to stop deportations of those who are married military servicemembers.

The legislation looks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act due to “an unlawful entry into the United States by the migrant spouse. Moreover, it would allow a pathway to an immigrant visa to those spouses who’ve already been deported or voluntarily left the United States.

Rep. Soto joined Alejandra Juarez, a Florida resident who was deported to Mexico after being in the U.S. for two decades despite her husband, Sgt. Temo Juarez, being a Marine and an Iraq combat veteran, as well as part of the Infantry Regiment of the Army National Guard.

Alejandra Juarez lived in Polk County, Florida, for over 20 years.

She was granted humanitarian parole by the Biden administration. According to Rep. Soto's press release, she can stay in the country until 2024.

“In 2018, I joined the Juarez family at the airport on the day of Alejandra’s deportation. In that moment, I promised Alejandra and her daughters that we would never stop fighting for them to be reunited. Under the Biden Administration, we were thrilled to see Alejandra receive humanitarian parole and return to Central Florida to be with her family,” said Soto. “However, this is only a temporary fix and has left the Juarez family in a state of limbo. With the Protect Patriot Spouses Act, we will create a permanent solution for Alejandra and other military families in similar situations.”

Moreover, Rep. Salazar said, “Those who put their lives on the line to protect us” should “not be harmed by our broken immigration system.”

“The brave men and women who serve our country deserve our complete support and protection,” said Rep. Salazar. “The spouses and families of those who put their lives on the line to protect us should be honored by a grateful nation, not harmed by our broken immigration system. I am proud to join my colleagues, Representatives Soto and Carbajal, in introducing this critical legislation to protect the families of our veterans.”

Should the bill pass, it will make its way to the Democrat-controlled Senate.