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"I know some foreign-born folks who are more patriotic than many "native" Americans. I used to know a NUMBER of them in the Marine Corps. They make the best kind of citizen, for they have already demonstrated a willingness to protect a society not yet theirs. "

Amen. If someone is willing to put his life on the line to protect 280 million Americans, I think it's a bit silly to say that they don't have allegiance to the U.S. Every Marine (and U.S. soldier and sailor and airman) takes an oath upon entry into the service, and that oath is good enough for me. If he has lived up to that oath during his many years in the service, I don't see how we can deny him the chance to take the oath to become a U.S. citizen.

But, dcwusmc, I have to differ with one thing you said. You described the Vietnam-born Marine as one that has shown a "willingness to protect a society not [his] yet." The Sergeant in question has lived in America since he was 6 months old, and has served with distinction in the Marines and in the Reserves for a number of years. I think he's a member of American society even if he hasn't officially become a citizen yet.

As for the posts by other FReepers regarding some servicemen who have commited treason, I bet you in just about every case these were American citizens. The Marines aren't perfect, and they make mistakes once in a while when letting someone enlist. But banning non-citizens from serving is not the answer.

I agree. He has lived here since he was less than one year old from what I read. This is the only country he can remember. I would most surely consider him PRIME material for citizenship. For someone to say otherwise is duplicitous and disingenuous. And you are correct. The ONE incident the Marine Corps had (Sgt Clayton Lonetree) was a citizen when he began his career as a Soviet spy. He was unique in Marine Corps history. We have had other incidents since then of gang members joining to learn how to be more effective killers and the recent incident of sabotage, but they all involved BORN citizens, IIRC. This young Marine is surely worthy of citizenship at once!

BTW, would that we had another Pubbie like Barry Goldwater. We need one now.