WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Congressional Hispanic Caucus held a roundtable on Veterans and Military families on Capitol Hill this week. It was co-led by Democratic Rep. Darren Soto. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Congressional Hispanic Caucus held a roundtable on Veterans and Military families on Capitol Hill this week

  • It was co-led by Democratic Rep. Darren Soto

  • Soto brought Alejandra and Estela Juarez as his guests for the discussion

  • They are seeking passage of the Protect Patriot Spouses Act

Soto brought Alejandra and Estela Juarez as his guests for the discussion. 

Alejandra was granted humanitarian parole under the Biden Administration, but is concerned about her future legal status ahead of the incoming Trump Administration. 

In 1998 Alejandra illegally entered the U.S. without documents, was stopped and signed papers written in English that barred her from receiving permanent residency status. She has said she didn’t understand what they meant at the time. 

Alejandra is married to Iraq combat Veteran Sgt. Temo Juarez. They are parents to Estela, 15 and Pamela, 23, born in the U.S. 

In 2018 Immigration and Customs Enforcement moved to deport Alejandra. “I was deported in 2018. And, thanks to the Biden Administration, I was able to come back in 2021. However, my situation is not permanently fixed. I'm still risking the possibility of being deported in June, because that's where my humanitarian parole expires,” Alejandra told Spectrum News. 

Alejandra and Estela are advocating for the Protect Patriot Spouses Act sponsored by Rep. Soto. It would allow Military and Veteran spouses like Alejandra who are currently ineligible for permanent residency status because they have previously unlawfully entered the U.S. to receive it. The bill has some bipartisan support, but hasn’t moved under the Republican-led House this session. 

Alejandra is also seeking a Presidential Pardon from President Joe Biden.