There is a huge debate in this country over illegal immigration. It’s no secret that illegal immigration is a leading cause of crime, emergency room waiting times, and social costs in border states. I, like most Americans, openly welcome all legal immigrants into this country – those that don’t sneak across the border without permission. Even moreso, I welcome those immigrants who love this country so much, they’re willing to put their lives on the line for it.
For many, military service is a way to “move to the front of the immigration line” in America. I have met many “non-citizens” in my nearly 20 years of military service and all are outstanding Soldiers. They work hard and realize that, for the time being, they fighting for a “foreign nation.” Special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) authorize U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to expedite the application and naturalization process for current members of the U.S. armed forces and recently discharged members.
Yesterday, in Iraq, 45 service members became American citizens in the last naturalization ceremony to occur in Iraq. They took the Oath of Allegiance during a Independence Day naturalization ceremony at Al Faw Palace at Camp Victory, Iraq.
In Afghanistan, 48 more troops became legal U.S. citizens in a ceremony at Camp Pheonix.
U.S. Army Spc. Tod Lanki of Honolulu, a human resources specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Task Force Knighthawk, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, TF Falcon, became a U.S. citizen during a ceremony at Camp Pheonix, Afghanistan, July 4. Lanki, originally from the Marshall Islands, was singled out by U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry during the ceremony for having earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart while serving in Afghanistan. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Todd Pouliot, Task Force Falcon Public Affairs)
