A Path to Citizenship Via the US Military

For all of you immigration reform advocates out their who are clamoring for a “path to citizenship” for immigrants to the United States — we already have one (several, actually). The best of which is to enlist in the US Armed Forces:

Soldiers taking the US oath of citizenship while serving in Iraq

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq — One hundred fifty-six servicemembers from 56 different countries recited the Oath of Citizenship in the rotunda of Al Faw Palace and marked the Fourth of July as the day they became American citizens.

This, the 17th naturalization ceremony held in Iraq for servicemembers who have been serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, was also the second Independence Day naturalization ceremony at Al Faw Palace attended by Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

“What a sight you are today. What a powerful symbol you represent to those who yearn for freedom all across the world,” Biden said to the of the servicemembers who came from countries ranging from Bolivia to Thailand.

“On this Fourth of July weekend, I’m reminded that you have carried the torch of our founding fathers, the one that they lit 234 years ago. You carried it around the world,” he said.

Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commanding general, United States Forces-Iraq, pointed out that the servicemembers taking part in the ceremony have already been serving their adopted country.

“I’m extremely grateful to have such an outstanding group joining the ranks of our citizenry,” he said. “You came to our country seeking freedom. And before you even enjoyed the rights of full citizenship, you held up your right hand and swore to support and defend that freedom, both at home and abroad. You volunteered to go into harm’s way in defense of your new nation.”

My best friend in Basic Training at Ft. Knox, KY was a kid named Jose Arzon, who was a citizen of Honduras. He spent nearly a year at the Defense Language Institute English Language Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio learning enough English to enter the US Army’s Basic Training.

After 8-years of service to the United States Army, I was thrilled when I found out that my good friend had become a US citizen and started a family in Florida. Jose adopted this country, learned our language, signed-up to give the ultimate in giving back, and considers himself a proud American first, and a Honduran second.

Compare that to the much larger crop of illegal immigrants to this country, who did not come here to serve our nation, but rather to take advantage of our generosity and kindness and to take much more than they ever intend to give back.

I consider those like my friend Jose and the other Soldiers mentioned in this article to be much more authentically American than most people who were simply lucky enough to be born here:

Pfc. Jean David Jeannite, a Soldier with 1st Brigade Combat Team’s Special Troops Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm about the day for which he had been waiting 22 years.

“Today was the greatest day of my life,” Jeannite said with a grin. “I’m finally, officially, part of the U.S., the greatest country in the world. I’m loving it. It’s unbelievable to be part of this. The vice president, wow! This is the highlight of my life!”

Jeannite, from Bradenton, Fla., came to the U.S. from Port au Prince, Haiti, when he was nine years old.