Military considers recruiting foreigners Expedited citizenship would be an incentive

Boston Globe ^ | 12/26/96 | Bryan Bender

[Kimberly GG]

WASHINGTON -- The armed forces, already struggling to meet recruiting goals, are considering expanding the number of noncitizens in the ranks -- including disputed proposals to open recruiting stations overseas and putting more immigrants on a faster track to US citizenship if they volunteer -- according to Pentagon officials.

Foreign citizens serving in the US military is a highly charged issue, which could expose the Pentagon to criticism that it is essentially using mercenaries to defend the country. Other analysts voice concern that a large contingent of noncitizens under arms could jeopardize national security or reflect badly on Americans' willingness to serve in uniform.

The idea of signing up foreigners who are seeking US citizenship is gaining traction as a way to address a critical need for the Pentagon, while fully absorbing some of the roughly one million immigrants that enter the United States legally each year."........

[Kimberly GG]

"We're looking for high school graduates with no more than one felony on their record," one recruiter said. "

And here I thought they were looking for only the best and the brightest. I'm surprised anyone would bother enlisting after reading that!

Can you even imagine President Bush taking to the podium, interrupting the nation on prime time next week to announce , "My solution to increasing the size of the military will now include the recruitment of any illegal alien wishing to become an american citizen and will include any American citizen or illegal alien with no more than ONE felony on their record!"

geesh, if it weren't so awful WIA, it would almost be comical. I double dog dare him! Wouldn't THAT wake America up!

[Gaffer]

This is a foolproof plan to allow all of our military branches to lose military secrets on an unprecendented scale. The opposition won't have to bribe lowlife Americans, all they need do is enlist their soldiers in our Army....

[Kimberly GG]

"Apparently, your argument is that there is no such thing as a legal immigrant."


Sure there is, I'm just not willing to REDEFINE it when the sovereignty and security of our country is at stake.

[gubamyster]

ping

[brazzaville]

Good afternoon.

The military is making it's recruitment goals as well as having success with retention, and service in the armed forces has always been a path to citizenship, as it should be.

The Boston paper is spinning madly to find a negative interpretation of the story.

Michael Frazier

[justshutupandtakeit]

This is an excellent idea though not terribly necessary since recruiting goals are being met.

However, foreigners fighting to become citizens only upsets those unfamiliar with American history.

[justshutupandtakeit]

I agree. Nor is this something new. Almost two thirds of the garrison at Fort Sumpter was Irish born many not citizens. Newly arriving Irishmen were mustered wholesale into the Union army.

[BeHoldAPaleHorse]

If you dislike this idea so much, you have the power to help make it unnecessary: all you need to do is enlist.

[justshutupandtakeit]

"Encouraging illegal immigration and harboring illegal aliens is ILLEGAL. Just because someone decided it was a 'good' idea to allow them into the military previously, does NOT make it a good idea." Where did you get the idea that this would involve illegals?

[justshutupandtakeit]

Many foreigners were killed in the towers have you forgotten?

[justshutupandtakeit]

That is total BS.

[MikefromOhio]

How completely moronic has our leadership become.

As if you'd do any better Mr. Tancredo ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR "Kim".....

Honestly, fighting for your citizenship is one of the BEST ways to engender love of your country. This is a very historically GROUNDED idea, although it's possibly an unnecessary one given our recruiting goals being met.

[BeHoldAPaleHorse]

Where did you get the idea that this would involve illegals?

"Forget it, he's on a roll." (/Animal House)

[MikefromOhio]

Many foreigners were killed in the towers have you forgotten?

Of course she has. It's politically expedient for her to do so.

This subject appeals to the 1%ers and the racists.

[justshutupandtakeit]

GO Home Lafayette. BW2221 doesn't want you. Von Steuben take a hike. Count Pulaski don't come here. Kosiusko go away you upset the KnowNothings.

[Antoninus]

I have absolutely no problem with this. If they're willing to put their lives on the line for the US, the least we can do is make them citizens.

[justshutupandtakeit]

You guys sound just like the DUmmies in your anti-bush hatred. What next whining about American Imperialism taking advantage of the Oppressed.

The combination of ignorance and fanaticism is breathtaking.

[Antoninus]

GO Home Lafayette. BW2221 doesn't want you. Von Steuben take a hike. Count Pulaski don't come here. Kosiusko go away you upset the KnowNothings.

Indeed, indeed. Illegal immigration is not a good thing--however, if an illegal wants to sign up for our military in exchange for citizenship, we'd be stupid to turn him away.

[justshutupandtakeit]

Can you imagine the nerve of Lincoln using foreign "mercenaries" to save the Union?

[BeHoldAPaleHorse]

Can you imagine the nerve of Lincoln using foreign "mercenaries" to save the Union?

There are some neo-Confederates who are still pi$$ed off about it.