PROTECT Military Families Act

Key Points

• Would require the Department of Homeland Security to let certain military relatives enter and stay in the U.S. using “parole.”
• Covers spouses, widows/widowers, parents, and children of active-duty service members, certain reservists, and some veterans (including those who have died).
• Parole would be granted in 1-year periods, meaning families would need to renew it each year to keep that status.
• The government could deny an application only if the Homeland Security, Defense, and Veterans Affairs secretaries all sign a written reason.
• If denied, Homeland Security would have to post a public explanation online, without sharing personal identifying details.