FAIR Opposes Heller Amendment 1894 and 1895 to the NDAA

FAIR Statement: June 10, 2015 | View the PDF Version

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) is advising all Senators and staff that it opposes Heller Amendment #1894 and Heller Amendment #1895 to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Both are “sense of the Senate” amendments that instruct the Secretary of Defense to evaluate letting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients join the military. Notably, they are nearly identical to amendments offered—and rejected—by the House of Representatives.

Federal law prohibits illegal aliens from enlisting in the military and the inclusion of such provisions in the NDAA is particularly objectionable. The policy implications of the Heller Amendments are severe. Rather than serve the national interest, these amendments reward those who break our immigration laws and will place them on an expedited path to citizenship. Additionally, these amendments harm U.S. citizens who desire to serve in the armed forces who already have fewer opportunities because we are downsizing our military.

Indeed, Senator McCain agrees that it is inappropriate to include military amnesty in the NDAA. Just last month Sen. McCain said, “We’re not doing anything on immigration on the NDAA.” He added, “The defense bill is for defense, not for Dreamers.”

FAIR urges a NO vote on Heller Amendment #1894 and Heller Amendment #1895 and will include it in FAIR’s Voting Report.