Former Iraqi interpreter for National Guard granted US citizenship

ABC news ^ | 4 September 2019 | ABC

[Cronos]

...We've been following the path toward fulfilling the American dream for one of those people for years now. He's an Iraqi man who served as an interpreter for the Minnesota National Guard while supporting U.S. forces in Basra in 2009. But, when the soldiers left, Khalid Awda became a marked man having helped American troops.

For more than three years, his military comrade turned close friend, Sergeant Paul Braun, worked to bring Khalid to Minnesota.

Khalid finally arrived in 2013, but his family couldn't come for a few more years, arriving in late 2016. The wait to become a U.S. citizen took another three years.

"It's beyond important, it's everything, it's really big for us," said his son, Shaheem Khalid Yasir.

It's a goal his children have dreamed of for a dad they're so proud of.

"It's a very, very special day, it's an honor to be here actually, it's a huge honor," his 12-year-old daughter Khadija added.

"I'm really proud of him to get to this point in his life, it's been hard for him," 15-year-old daughter Nora said.

Khalid said he will never forget the hard times, but is focused now on what the future will bring.

"This is the land of immigrants, people waiting for this day, but the actual lesson will be after this day, what are you going to do for this country?" he said.

"This country got us here, provided us with dignity and a good life, so we need to keep it," he added.

Khalid just recently bought a home and said he is focusing now on growing his education.

He said this day couldn't have happened if not for the Minnesota National Guard, and his dear military friend who he still sees today.

[Cronos]

This man is brave and earned his citizenship - far better than people like Alyssa Milano etc. who were privileged to be born in the USA and still hate it.

[Gay State Conservative]

I think any foreigner who actively assists our Armed Forces should be seriously considered for citizenship if they want it.

With an Iraqi I think we need to be careful but there are surely Iraqis who are basically good and respectable people.

[Tommy Revolts]

I befriended a guy from Iraq years back. He was a good person. A lot of fun. He became a citizen.

[Midwesterner53]

Welcome to your new home. America is stronger for people like you and your family.