American Legion shoots down idea to tie immigration to military service

Jacqueline Klimas and Stephen Dinan ^ | The Washington Times

[ObamahatesPACoal]

The American Legion says it is opposed to trying to tie immigration into the annual defense policy debate, calling it an unacceptable “amnesty” and dealing a serious blow to Republicans desperate to pass some sort of legalization of illegal immigrants ahead of November’s elections.

Several Republicans say they want to attach a small legalization that would grant an explicit chance at citizenship to young illegal immigrants willing to join the military.

[McGavin999]

Maybe the BLM can loan some firearms to the Border Patrol so they can enforce our borders.

[kabar]

We had a special agreement with the Philippines on recruitment into the Navy. It ended in 1991. When I served, the vast majority of Filipinos served as stewards. Some migrated to other specialties.

Filipino U.S. Navy – From Steward and Mess Boys to Admirals

[MaxMax]

When the Feds decide to turn the military against Americans a strong immigrant
military would have no moral obligation to resist orders.

[stanne]

Many I know retired here, whether they were already citizens, I don’t know.

But they respected our military and our country. THey shared their own, and they stuck together like chain gangs, but they acted like part of the team, they led very well and they spoke English, and politely when we occasionally said, ‘hey, speak english’.

An illegal alien is going to serve 20 years?

[snowtigger]

I could go along with expedited citizenship for LEGAL aliens.

I knew one from East Germany. He arrived here in 1971 as a thirteen year old. His step dad was a Sargent in the Army. When he turned 18, he enlisted and served honorably for 13 years.

He once told me his proudest day, other than the days his daughters were born, was the day he EARNED his citizenship.

Tragically, he was killed in an industrial accident on Easter Sunday, 1983. We lost a great American.

[where's_the_Outrage?]

As someone that has also served, and forefathers served in WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. My Brother was in Granada, I was in Afghanistan and Iraq.

I don't blame the illegal alien for trying to better his life. And if he chooses to do this by honerable US Military service, I would be glad to have them in my command.

That being said, I as a commander would like to have the yea or nea on whether this person should be allowed to have citizenship.

[kabar]

I don't blame the illegal alien for trying to better his life. And if he chooses to do this by honerable [sic] US Military service, I would be glad to have them in my command.

Is that the metric we use? Trying to better his life? How does that excuse illegality? Is that the message we want to send worldwide? Get into the US illegally and you will be rewarded by being given an opportunity to join the US military and get citizenship?

We are in the process of reducing the size of the military. Some people are being forced out to get down to the required staffing. So US citizens and legal immigrants (green card holders) will be competing against illegal aliens for spots in the military. Where is the fairness in that? What obligation do we owe to our own people?

In a more general sense, this is about jobs. Why should illegal aliens be on equal footing with legal residents of this country? I am really astounded at how the politicians can manipulate alleged conservatives emotionally into circumventing the Rule of Law.

That being said, I as a commander would like to have the yea or nea on whether this person should be allowed to have citizenship.

You don't have that right nor should you.

[katnip]

My husbands grandfather came here from Smyrna in 1918 I believe. He entered the Navy soon after.

I thought that was how he earned his citizenship.

I’m assuming the immigrants would only be granted citizenship when they complete their service honorably.

[where's_the_Outrage?]

Now I have been wrong before, many many times.

However, if one illegal prevents a US Citizen from joining the military based on number’s required, all US Citizens should be at the front of the line.

Otherwise, let them in.

[moehoward]

"I think they should be given front of the line consideration for citizenship."

We are reducing personal in all branches. Probably will continue to do so. That combined with the new normal of very little employment opportunity for OUR youth, I'd argue that "front of the line consideration" for enlistment -and it's many opportunities- should go to US citizen youth.

[kabar]

However, if one illegal prevents a US Citizen from joining the military based on number’s required, all US Citizens should be at the front of the line.

Cut the BS. How do you prove that? Do you honestly believe we can't meet our numbers without bringing in illegal aliens? The illegal aliens should not even be in line.

When you reward something, you get more of it. I guess the word is out to those wishing to enter the US illegally: Bring in your children and they will not only have a path to citizenship, they will be able to sponsor you once they get it. This is a rolling amnesty. When and how do we end it now that the precedent is set?

Otherwise, let them in.

What a f'ing travesty. It is an insult to all of us who have served.