EspañolA Pentagon spokesman said on Tuesday the Army is considering admitting undocumented immigrants into its ranks, hours after the US House Speaker John Boehner assured the Republican caucus would vote against a proposal to grant US citizenship to those who have served in military.
The Pentagon measure would apply to foreigners who arrived to the United States as children, already have work permits, and are temporarily protected from deportation by an Obama administration program. More than half a million immigrants have benefited from this program since it was announced two years ago.
Boehner defended the decision by Republican leaders to halt a bill sponsored by fellow Republican Congressman Jeff Denham (California), whose proposal would grant US citizenship to foreign nationals who serve in the Army.
The legislation “provides a way for those who want to perform the ultimate act of patriotism — serve one’s country — to obtain the legal citizen status,” Denham said in a statement. “As a veteran, I can’t think of a better way to demonstrate our commitment to our nation.” House leaders currently in control of the Rules Committee have made it clear that Denham’s proposal would be rejected.
Source: Prensa Libre.