The administration said it was making the move because it was worried illegal immigration was hurting military readiness, and this would be a way to relieve some of the “stress and anxiety” faced by troops whose relatives are illegal immigrants.

In addition, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said the veterans have earned the right to have their illegal immigrant relatives stay in the country with them.

“Similarly, our veterans, who have served and sacrificed for our nation, can face stress and anxiety because of the immigration status of their family members in the United States. We as a nation have made a commitment to our veterans, to support and care for them. It is a commitment that begins at enlistment, and continues as they become veterans,” the agency said in a memo outlining the new policy.