Deployed Servicemembers Achieve U.S. Citizenship

Amid all the chaos regarding immigrants (both legal and illegal) in the U.S. , there heve been many voices that are missing. These are the voices of non-U.S. citizens fighting -- and falling -- for the U.S. There are a few out there that say that many of the newly sworn joined the service to become a U.S. citizen. Well, if that is the case, and people are willing to join an armed service and fight (and possibly die) on foreign soil, then this must be one hell of a country. DOD reports:

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait, April 7, 2006 – Servicemembers deployed to Kuwait became U.S. citizens yesterday during a naturalization ceremony at chapel here.

"It is a great day to be an American," said Whitcomb. "I am not only happy and proud to be here as a soldier, but as an American as well."

"As new citizens to the United States, I salute you," Tueller said. "From today on, you have the opportunity to pursue the American Dream."

Special guests from the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services, Rome office, participated in the ceremony. Lori Pietropaoli, officer in charge, administered the oath of allegiance and presented the certificates. Joseph Hackbarth, immigration officer, presented the candidates.

To become eligible for U.S. citizenship, a person must demonstrate good moral character, an understanding of U.S. history and government, and comprehension of the English language.

The ceremony was the first one conducted since mid-December as servicemembers from all over Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar took the oath to become U.S. citizens.

Congratulations one and all. I am proud to call you all "fellow Americans."

Open Post Thanks to Point Five, Right Wing Nation, Blue Star Chronicles, The Uncooperative Blogger, THM's Bacon Bits and The Mudville Gazette.