News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. June 3rd, 2016: It is sad that when we hear about immigrants, especially out of the mouths of xenophobes and fear mongers like The Donald, it is usually about the “illegal aliens” and those who are climbing over the borders to take away Americans jobs. Very rarely do we hear of the many immigrants putting their lives on the line for the U.S. as part of the armed forces or those who have lost their lives in the line of duty or are part of the growing number of the veteran population across the country.
As we celebrated Memorial Day this past week, I wanted to pause and recognize these brave men and women. Latest data shows that there are more than 65,000 immigrants in active duty military or 5 percent of the force. This includes more than 30,000 lawful permanent residents.
Those numbers are likely to rise as non-citizens account for 4 percent of all new military recruits. The top two countries of origin for foreign-born military personnel in the U.S. are the Philippines and Mexico. Nearly 11 percent of those serving in the armed forces are of Hispanic origin.
More than 700 Medal of Honor recipients have been immigrants. While immigrants and children of immigrants have risen to the highest ranks in the military. They include Polish-born General John Shalikashvili, who was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Supreme Allied Commander as well as General Colin Powell, son of Jamaican immigrants, who served as National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and Secretary of State.
Since 2002, almost 90,000 men and women have become citizens while wearing the uniform of the U.S. military
More than 109,000 non-citizen service members have been granted U.S. citizenship between fiscal years 2002-2014 according to U.S. Citizenship & Naturalization data. Since September 2001, USCIS has naturalized nearly 65,000 service men and women, including those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
And in fiscal year 2010 alone, the USCIS says it granted citizenship to 11,146 members of the U.S. armed forces at ceremonies in the United States and 22 countries abroad.
This figure represents the highest number of service members naturalized in any year since 1955.
And many, many more young people who lack immigration status are lining up to enlist. Active and retired high-ranking military officials have endorsed the DREAM Act, which would allow young immigrants to earn permanent residency by completing at least two years in the military or college. But of course Republicans continue to block this rational measure.
Further, the broken immigration system also impacts our national security and the lives of those active duty military who have family members under deportation.
Thankfully there are groups like Veterans for Immigration Reform (Vets4Reform), which continue to highlight the many immigrants, past and present, who have served our country and urge for immigration reform.
It is time for those who want to lead our country come 2017, to recognize and remember that immigrants too are part of those who are putting their lives on the line daily to protect all of all – white, black and brown America aka – the United States of America and be recognized and celebrated for it instead of being dismissed, ignored and degraded!
