Immigrants and the U.S. Military
A naturalization ceremony is often referred to as a very emotional experience. I haven’t witnessed one myself, but Homeland documentary producer Anne-Marie Berger wrote last year about how touching it was to witness people take the oath of citizenship before singing what had just become their national anthem.
Six soldiers stand with their commanding officers after becoming citizens (Photo from USCIS)
Recently, I was browsing a blog written by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services called The Beacon when I saw a post by Leah Van Wilgen, Bangkok Field Office Director for USCIS, which also talked about the strong emotions tied to a naturalization ceremony she had been involved with. What set her story apart from Anne-Marie’s account was the fact that the ceremony described on The Beacon took place in Afghanistan and granted citizenship to people already serving in the American military.
While discussions about immigration are often framed by its effect on the economy, the article on The Beacon provides a small glimpse into the ways the armed forces have also benefited from the inclusion of immigrants, both naturalized citizens and non-citizens.
According to the Migration Policy Institute, in 2008 there were just over 65,000 immigrants on active duty in the U.S. military, with roughly 31 percent being non-citizens. While the numbers may have fluctuated throughout the years, immigrants and non-citizens have been serving since the Revolutionary War.
More than 700 immigrants have been the recipient of the Medal of Honor since the award was first presented during the Civil War, according to USCIS.
There are some specific rules that apply to non-citizens wishing to join the military. Only legal permanent residents (green card holders) may enlist. Those in the U.S. on a visa are restricted from joining and the military doesn’t sponsor or assist foreign nationals in obtaining a green card. Once enlisted, non-citizens are not eligible to become officers or to receive a security clearance.
In return for their service, many non-citizen soldiers become eligible for expedited citizenship. Since President Bush allowed this benefit with an executive order in 2002, nearly 69,000 foreign-born military personnel have been granted citizenship, according to USCIS. 9,300 people have received citizenship in overseas ceremonies, like the one described on The Beacon, since 2004.
Not every non-citizen who enlists goes through the naturalization process, and for this group their history of military service comes with few benefits as it relates to immigration law. Even if they served and were discharged honorably, legal permanent residents are still not allowed to vote. They can also be deported, as described in an Associated Press story about veterans facing deportation.
Other advocates for non-citizen rights claim that the military exploits immigrants under the current system. The film Yo Soy El Army explores this topic and the filmmakers argue the military targets Latinos from poor, working-class families who are desperate for any path to legal status. Since they are restricted from holding certain jobs within the military, non-citizens are given lower level, and often more dangerous, assignments.
The much-discussed DREAM Act also has ties to the U.S. military. As you might be aware, the DREAM Act provides a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants who entered the country as children so long as they meet certain conditions. One of the requirements is that the undocumented immigrant serve two years in the military or complete two years of work toward a college degree.
What do you think? Is the current system fair to non-citizens who enlist in the military? Are there any changes you would make to the process?
Category: Citizenship
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