Military

Congresswoman Duckworth Joins Bipartisan Coalition To Introduce Military Enlistment Opportunity Act


Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–October 8, 2015.  Yesterday, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) joined Congressmen Mike Coffman (R-CO), Peter King (R-NY) and Juan Vargas (D-CA), to introduce the bipartisan Military Enlistment Opportunity Act. This legislation authorizes eligible individuals, including young undocumented immigrants who were brought to America as children, to achieve Legal Permanent Resident status by serving honorably in the United States Military for a minimum of five years.

This bipartisan bill strengthens military readiness by providing the Armed Forces with an expanded pool of talented applicants that wish to serve their country in uniform. Specifically, this legislation expands enlistment eligibility to include immigrants who have lived in the United States continuously for at least two years, have never committed a crime and have successfully passed the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) rigorous vetting process to attain Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status. Further, applicants must meet the same high standards that all individuals face when they apply to enlist in the military.

“I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Military Enlistment Opportunity Act. Our legislation creates a fair pathway for eligible undocumented immigrants to earn legal permanent status through honorable military service,” said Congresswoman Duckworth. “Young people brought to America as children, and for whom America is their only home, deserve the opportunity to pursue citizenship. This is especially true for young immigrants that serve in uniform. When these Americans step forward and lay their lives on the line to defend our nation, they should earn the right to legally live in the very country they’re defending.”

“I believe the immigrant experience is the American experience. Congress should advance our bipartisan legislation to ensure future generations of young immigrants have the same opportunity I had to proudly serve our nation in uniform.”

Source: www.duckworth.house.gov

 


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