REFERENCE TITLE: deported veterans; medical treatment

State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-third Legislature Second Regular Session 2018

HCM 2003

Introduced by Representatives Espinoza: Alston, Andrade, Benally, Blanc, Bolding, Butler, Campbell, Cardenas, Chávez, Clark, Fernandez, Friese, Gabaldón, Gonzales, Hernandez, Martinez, Navarrete, Powers Hannley, Rivero, Saldate, Salman, Senators Contreras, Otondo

 

A CONCURRENT Memorial

 

urging the united states congress to enact legislation to provide medical treatment and other benefits for deported veterans of the united states armed forces.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

To the Congress of the United States:

Your memorialist respectfully represents:

Whereas, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, at least 239 veterans of the United States armed forces have been deported to at least 34 countries; and

Whereas, those who have honorably served our country have been denied medical treatment and other benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); and

Whereas, veterans who are deported and who were not seen by a VA doctor for evaluation are not allowed to claim their disabilities; and

Whereas, veterans who would otherwise seek treatment for post‑traumatic stress disorder or other war-related injuries are denied approval unless they are about to die; and

Whereas, deported veterans have in fact died waiting for approval for medical treatment on the border; and

Whereas, these men and women have served in the United States armed forces and have earned the right to receive treatment and benefits.

Wherefore your memorialist, the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring, prays:

1.  That the United States Congress enact legislation providing medical treatment and other benefits for all veterans of the United States armed forces, including those who have been deported.

2.  That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit copies of this memorial to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and each Member of Congress from the State of Arizona.