Saturday, August 23, 2008

Serve on Active Duty! Become a Citizen!

Since 2002, more than 37,000 aliens and non citizens who served on active duty have been provided expedited naturalization.
As I have previously reported, in Iraq, according to the Washington Post, Hispanics have a death risk about 20 percent higher than non-Hispanics.
According to the Pew Hispanic Center, while Latinos make up 9.5 percent of the actively enlisted forces, they are over-represented in the categories that get the most dangerous assignments -- infantry, gun crews and seamanship -- and make up over 17.5 percent of the front lines.
As The Sun - San Bernardino reported on 8-23-08:
The Marines came from all over - Kazakhstan, Jamaica, Guatemala, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, El Salvador, Indonesia, the Philippines - but Monday evening threaded them together with one common theme. Their home is now officially the United States, a country they've defended overseas since the war on terror began. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials have naturalized more than 37,250 military members since Sept. 11, 2003, but this was the first ceremony held on a military base. President Bush signed the Expedited Naturalization Executive Order in July 2002, enabling non-citizens on active duty to immediately file for citizenship. Military personnel would normally have to serve a year before qualifying for citizenship.

Expedited Naturalization of Aliens and Noncitizen Nationals Serving in An Active-Duty Status During the War on Terrorism
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1440) (the "Act"), and solely in order to provide expedited naturalization for aliens and noncitizen nationals serving in an active-duty status in the Armed Forces of the United States during the period of the war against terrorists of global reach, it is hereby ordered as follows:
For the purpose of determining qualification for the exception from the usual requirements for naturalization, I designate as a period in which the Armed Forces of the United States were engaged in armed conflict with a hostile foreign force the period beginning on September 11, 2001. Such period will be deemed to terminate on a date designated by future Executive Order. Those persons serving honorably in active-duty status in the Armed Forces of the United States, during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and terminating on the date to be so designated, are eligible for naturalization in accordance with the statutory exception to the naturalization requirements, as provided in section 329 of the Act. Nothing contained in this order is intended to affect, nor does it affect, any other power, right, or obligation of the United States, its agencies, officers, employees, or any other person under Federal law or the law of nations.
GEORGE W. BUSH THE WHITE HOUSE, July 3, 2002.

43 comments:

Anonymous said...

It goes to show that these green card holders understand what the United States of America stands for and they are willing to sacrifice their own lives for its protection.

I applaud there understanding and I congratulate them for there service. From one soldier to another, THANK YOU!!!


As for your leading lines, your blue ink, the only colors that matter in the military are the colors of the uniforms, not the color of their skin. As for MOS positions, one takes an ASVAB test to determine what MOS's are available, due to your score you are given choices of jobs. In this list you choose the top three you want, depending on availability you get the job that is open.

Now, as to why more Hispanics make up the front lines even though they have a smaller portion of enlisted, well that's what you get to decide, but I have given you how it is determined how all are placed into a position/job in service.

Dee said...

To help non military viewers understand your post liquid:

ASVAB: Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery Test
MOS: Military Occupational Speciality

Regardless of WHAT you are attempting to imply, here is what the Pew Center said:

. As U.S. casualties in Iraq continue to mount, so does the worry in the country's Latino community that its children are dying in unusually high numbers and are being lured into dangerous service with targeted recruiting by the Armed Forces.
. more than 50 percent of the Hispanic population (almost 18 million people) lived in Texas and California, states that are historically large recruitment centers for the Armed Forces.
. According to 'The Army Times' newspaper, in 2001 Army Brigadier General Bernardo C. Negrete told a DOD audience, ''we've made significant improvement by going after Hispanics in a manner we've never done before''.

''We're giving our recruiters goals to meet in order to bring the Hispanic population in the Army on par with the general population in the country.''

. Another tactic suspected of targeting Hispanics is an executive order signed by U.S. President George W. Bush in July 2002, expediting naturalization for aliens and non-citizen nationals who serve in active-duty status during the administration's ''war on terrorism''.

The order, effective for all military personnel who enlisted after the terrorist attacks of Sep. 11, 2001, allows non-citizens to apply for citizenship immediately upon arrival at their first military base, rather than having to wait the usual three to four years.

. While two army recruiters in the Washington area denied using the expedited citizenship order as a selling point during recruitment pitches, both told IPS that they mention the ''benefit'' as one part of the recruitment package.

Anonymous said...

And what is it that I am attempting to imply, Dee. I gave how an MOS is chosen and what qualifies one for the MOS. You are reading into it further. i left it open for each to form their own opinions.

. said...

Dee,
They can still choose to serve in the military. It is not as though the feds are black-bagging them on the sidewalk and forcing them to serve.

Hispanics have always been under-represented in the armed forces. Maybe that is why they are pursuing them more aggressively now. Affirmative action and all.

Your rhetoric seems reminiscent of the radical black community in the 70's. Suggesting that the war is being fought to help eliminate the minority population in the US. I have a hard time believing that.

When I served, the majority of "Hispanics" (as you would have them singled out) were serving in more high profile combat positions. Liquid is right: it does depend on your ASVAB score, and what is available.

Example: I had an ASVAB score of 94. This means I could do pretty much anything in the military that I wanted to. But my eyes kept me out of a cockpit, and sitting in a chair somewhere didn't seem like enough of a contribution to me. I knew I could contribute more. So what did I choose? EOD. Explosive Ordnance Disposal. The best of all worlds: you need intelligence, a calm hand, and you still get shot at.

Anonymous said...

My father, my husband and my only brother all saw front line duty in a war. My father was wounded and my brother ended up with PTSD. I had friends who died in Viet Nam. All American citizens. All risked their lives for this country and some lost them. War is hell and this Iraq war is no exception. That's just the way it is.

Dee said...

Arizonian,
Rhetoric? I linked a factual article. How is that rhetoric. Just facts.
The increase was by design, as was the executive order.

Dee said...

Dianne,
You are right. War is hexx.
I have two nephews in Iraq now.
One is a career man on his third tour. His Dad was a career man too and served in Vietnam, as my brother did.
What is interesting about this article is how there is so much ANTI rhetoric about the illegal "aliens" yet more than37,000 of them served defending our nation.
Anyone who serves, especially on the front lines defending our country should be honored.

Anonymous said...

This an interesting discussion. With the EO in place why are there still thousands of illegals in the
armed forces? Maybe the recruiters should have spent more time explaining this non-trivial benefit.

ultima said...

It is interesting that I was initially chosen for topographical computing training, then teletype repairman, then career guidance. I traded the last one off for Munitions and ended up as an instructor in that school before I went off to aviation cadet training.

I believe that the EO should have required a 4 year enlistment even if citizenship was awarded earlier. Overlooked in all this is thae fact that the volunteer army is paid a lot better than it was during the days of the draft for the Korean and Viet Nam wars. For many, in spite of the risks, this is a good deal with better pay and benefits than some other civilian occupations, especially for those who are undereducated and who don't mind being called a"lifer".

It's not much fun being shot at or IUDed but there is a certain amount of highly valued camaraderie that has caused some, even if they had been greviously wounded, to volunteer to return to Iraq.

ultima said...

Citizenship should be highly valued and worth the sacrifice just as their predecessors in the other wars sacrificed to enable our independence from Great Britain, hold the Union together and protect it against facism.

Dee seems tp be willing to look everywhere for a boogeyman, except among the illegals who have always had her approval and support.

. said...

"Rhetoric? I linked a factual article. How is that rhetoric. Just facts.
The increase was by design, as was the executive order."

Ok Dee, I read the article before. A lot of numbers about what percentage of this and that. It didn't address what MOS these people that are dying have.

I'll just say it based off real-world observations from the sandbox: There are more "hispanics" dying due to the fact that more "hispanics" doing dangerous jobs. What a coincidence. Most of the "hispanics" you are referring to are in infantry and combat support roles. They are more likely to be shot at, they are more likely to die.

Or, let me put it this way: Most "hispanics" in the Marines are infantry. The most Marines that die are infantry. Coincidence? Or is it simply that infantrymen are the ones most likely to be killed?

The reason Bush signed that Executive order is due to the fact that our recruitment numbers were down. They offered those seeking citizenship a chance to become a citizen, demonstrating that they truly care for this country, and get on the "fast track" to citizenship.

And I can't believe that you are suggesting that the Feds are trying to recruit "hispanics" just so they can have them killed (which was my reference to the 70's radical black community's charge of Vietnam).

. said...

Dee, I'll do you a favor:
http://www.militarycity.com/valor/honor.html

Go look up for yourself, see their pictures, read their stories.

. said...

Oh, btw, the offical percentages differ from your sources....:

http://www.militarytimes.com/projects/flash/4000/

Forces percentage by race:
White 70.2
Hispanic 10.2
Black 17.3
Asian 4.1
"Multiracial-other" 6.8
American Indian 1.6

Death percentages by race:
White 75.1
Hispanic 10.5
Black 9.2
Asian 2.5
"Multiracial-other" 1.6
American Indian 1.1

Anonymous said...

No one that isn't in this country legally should be able to serve in our military and I think that only citizens should be allowed to join anyway.

In reality, many recruits don't join the military because they have an undying dovotion to our country. Many join for the education, money and job training they can receive. Just the facts, folks!

Dee said...

Arizonian,
Good links.
My original article and survey were older and only Iraq. Yours is more recent and both Afghanistan and Iraq.
Yours only includes those from the US (as per state description).
It does corroborate the two hightest states - CA and TX.

My point in posting this is as I said earlier:
"What is interesting about this article is how there is so much ANTI rhetoric about the illegal "aliens" yet more than37,000 of them served defending our nation.
Anyone who serves, especially on the front lines defending our country should be HONORED."

Please note Pats comments. They attest to the attitude I am referencing.

Anonymous said...

I would like to know how you are coming up with 37,000 "Illegal" Aliens having served and been naturalized, when the article you link to states only that they were aliens, meaning GC or LPR status.

Anonymous said...

Your sun link isn't correct, so here is the link and date of August 17:
http://www.sbsun.com/ci_10241839

Again, please show where it states that any of these soldiers were "Illegal Aliens". Don't confound the difference between Legal and Illegal.

Dee said...

Liquid, Liquid, Liquid,
You should go back to the original reference article.

http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_10284467

The Marines came from all over - Kazakhstan, Jamaica, Guatemala, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, El Salvador, Indonesia, the Philippines - but Monday evening threaded them together with one common theme. Their home is now officially the United States, a country they've defended overseas since the war on terror began. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials have naturalized more than 37,250 military members since Sept. 11, 2003, but this was the first ceremony held on a military base. President Bush signed the Expedited Naturalization Executive Order in July 2002, enabling non-citizens on active duty to immediately file for citizenship. Military personnel would normally have to serve a year before qualifying for citizenship.

scroll down to middle of page.

"U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials have naturalized more than 37,250 military members since Sept. 11, 2003, but this was the first ceremony held on a military base.

"They've already given an oath to defend this country," said USCIS spokesman Jorge Swank. "The government should make every effort to ensure we make these soldiers citizens."

President Bush signed the Expedited Naturalization Executive Order in July 2002, enabling non-citizens on active duty to immediately file for citizenship. Military personnel would normally have to serve a year before qualifying for citizenship."

Your link if fine too!
http://www.sbsun.com/ci_10241839

Anonymous said...

Again, please show where it states that any of these soldiers were "Illegal Aliens". Don't confound the difference between Legal and Illegal.

Anonymous said...

Where in there does it say they are "ILLEGAL ALIENS"?????

Anonymous said...

While there is a statutory requirement that only a United States Citizen may become a commissioned officer, this is not true for enlistment. Certain non-citizens can enlist in the United States Armed Forces. To be eligible to enlist, a non-citizen must:

(1) Entered the United States on a permanent residence visa or has an Alien Registration Receipt Card (INS Form 1-551/I-551 greencard or stamped I-94), and

(2) Established a bona fide residence, and

(3) Established a home of record in the United States.

The visa and/or "greencard" must have sufficient time remaining on it (expiration date) to be valid during the entire term on enlistment. While non-citizens may enlist in the U.S. Military, they are not allowed to reenlist (stay in beyond their first term of service), unless they first become U.S. Citizens. However, there are accelerated citizenship procedures for non-citizens on active duty.


Show us all where it states "ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT" anywhere in the above posts or post.

Anonymous said...

In fact, why don't you try your link, you will find it doesn't go to the article. That is why I linked to it for you.

Dee said...

Gosh Liquid, You are losing it again. You ask for a reference and two minutes later, you ask for it again. Sheesh!!

I refer you back to the original link.
http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_10284467
"U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials have naturalized more than 37,250 military members since Sept. 11, 2003."
The ACT: "provides expedited naturalization for aliens and noncitizen nationals serving in an active-duty status in the Armed Forces of the United States during the period of the war against terrorists"

Dee said...

the link to the executive order:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/07/20020703-24.html

Anonymous said...

I will ask the same question as liquid did. Where does it say that illegal aliens have served in our military?

Dee said...

Pat,
Read the 1st line
"Since 2002, more than 37,000 aliens and non citizens who served on active duty have been provided expedited naturalization."

You can interpret the term "non citizen" any way you want to. I agree. NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL.
Hey, maybe you ARE turning PRO! Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Dee, yo are reaching into a black hole trying to SPIN a meaning here, you are the one who said they were "ILLEGAL ALIENS" at no point can an ILLEGAL ALIEN join our military, which I gave to you the MILITARY REQUIREMENTS to join. Your ignorance lately is mind blowing. Any question that has been asked of you, you have ran from, you are definitely like Obama, now I know why you would vote for such an IDIOT!!

Anonymous said...

"aliens and non citizens" = non-citizens can enlist in the United States Armed Forces. To be eligible to enlist, a non-citizen must:

(1) Entered the United States on a permanent residence visa or has an Alien Registration Receipt Card (INS Form 1-551/I-551 greencard or stamped I-94), and

(2) Established a bona fide residence, and

(3) Established a home of record in the United States.

The visa and/or "greencard" must have sufficient time remaining on it (expiration date) to be valid during the entire term on enlistment. While non-citizens may enlist in the U.S. Military, they are not allowed to reenlist (stay in beyond their first term of service), unless they first become U.S. Citizens. However, there are accelerated citizenship procedures for non-citizens on active duty.


So show us where it says that an "ILLEGAL ALIEN" can or is in the military as one of these 37,000 in question.

Anonymous said...

An alien simply means foreigner. That doesn't mean that the foreigner is here illegally.

How times have I heard the pro's say "no human being is illegal"? Just what is the point of that statement? Any human can commit an illegal act and any human can be in a country illegally. The pros make the lamest statements. Not in this lifetime or the next will I ever turn my back on my country and become a "pro".

Dee said...

Liquid,
Stop your name calling of the candidate! Your use of "idiot" is both disrespectful and off topic.

Dee said...

Liquid, I posted the links in the previous two articles I wrote about this subject.
Go back and check them out.

My blogs:
1. picture of Dad crying about this son.
2. same pix used in this blog.

Dee said...

The Dad was crying because his son was killed while defending our country.

Anonymous said...

Your statement is the problem Dee, "What is interesting about this article is how there is so much ANTI rhetoric about the illegal "aliens" yet more than37,000 of them served defending our nation.
Anyone who serves, especially on the front lines defending our country should be HONORED."


Where are the facts supporting that 37,000 Illegal Aliens were given naturalization from Bush, as per your statement??

All "Aliens" in the military deserve to be honored, nobody has said differently, however you are obfuscating what is being said to try to present your ignorant statement.

One case of an Illegal Immigrant, ILLEGALLY in the military is not 37,000 of them.

Anonymous said...

Even if it were true that all 37,000 of these recruits were illegal aliens (but it isn't) that is supposed to justify 20 million of them in our country? WTH?

I do honor anyone who has served in our military but that still doesn't change my mind that only citizens should be able to serve.

. said...

Pat,

I although I disagree with the notion of having only citizens serve in our military, I defend, to the death, your right to have that opinion.

In the Corps, I serve alongside guys from Panama, Guatemala, Canada (I thought, WTH?) Guam, Puerto Rico, and even Honduras in my company. These were all honorable men that had the same idea: I am willing to fight for a country that offers so much in return. All they asked for was a chance, a chance to prove that they were deserving to be a US citizen.

Maybe we should do the same for those here as citizens by the shear luck that they were born here. It would definitely change the attitude problem we have here internally.

I have no regrets calling the soldiers friends, and fellow citizens.

Dee said...

Liquid,
You are right in that the 37,000 were aliens and non citizens. No one should be considered "illegal."

Dee said...

Arizonian,
What a NICE comment!!



The Arizonian said...
I have no regrets calling the soldiers friends, and fellow citizens.

Anonymous said...

dee, please explain your remark that "no one should be considered illegal" when I already explained it all to you in a prior post!

Anonymous said...

As usual, you obfuscate the discussion. YOU were the one stating that the 37,000 were "Illegal Aliens", now you act as though we are the ones advocating the process??

You have yet to respond in coherent sentences with answers to the question. Your statements are truly as you have stated in the other topic, Orwellian.

. said...

Dee,
Do not consider my comment as pandering.

Liquid and Pat have a point: Those in the US as "Unauthorized immigrants" are ineligible for military service. There are many reasons for this, which are too lengthy to list here.

Case in point:
Those that have went through the steps to be here as "resident aliens" are allowed into military service.
Those that are "unauthorized immigrants" are violating the law as it stands, and would be considered a liability to hand over firearms and training to.

There is a reason why the military does not accept those with certain criminal backgrounds.

. said...

BTW, it should have been "I have no problem calling these soldiers friends, and fellow citizens"

I guess i didn't hit enough keys......

Green card Visa said...

Is it at all possible that these minorities are just inherently better at these military roles than their counterparts? I feel odd just assuming that the leaders are putting these people in danger just because of their skin tone.

Green Card Visa said...

I have actually learned that there is no true advantage for any ethnicity as far as inherent performance in the military. In short, while more whites attain higher positions, there are far more of them in the military than any other race.

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