SPC Alex Jiminez, 25, has been MIA in Iraq since his unit was ambushed by terrorists on 12 May. SPC Jiminez was one of three Americans captured as a result of the engagement. One soldier was found KIA, but Alex and his comrade remain missing. Only their military identification cards have been found despite a massive search. Some press attention has been focused on the immigration status of Yaderlin Jiminez, wife of Alex.
Press reports indicate Yaderlin entered the United States illegally in 2001 and was at one time facing deportation procedures. Now it appears those proceedings have stopped. Clearly deporting her now would be wrong, but it points to specific items that should be in a real immigration bill.
Immigrants, legal or otherwise, should have the opportunity to volunteer for military service. Properly screened and accepted volunteers and their immediate families would be granted temporary immunity from deportation for their term of service. Those who honorably complete four years of active duty and four years of reserve or National Guard duty would be immediately granted full citizenship for themselves and their spouses and children.
I have heard similar proposals criticized by suggesting it would result in a "mercenary" army. This is simply ridiculous and possibly racist. What better source of manpower than those striving to become citizens? True, many Mexicans may take advantage of such an offer, and we should let them. Men and women of every race have performed honorably and even heroically in the U.S. military. Those who suggest the quality of our service would be degraded are really making a suggestion that more non-whites is bad. Shame on them.
I pray SPC Jiminez will be found alive, but it does not look good. Missing for six weeks in Iraq can't be a good thing. Congress should immediately take action to implement a reasonable policy for granting immigrants the opportunity to earn citizenship through military service. President Bush should order that ICE not deport the immediate family members of those currently in military service.
Opposing citizenship for honorable military service says more about the critic than the question.
JINGOCON
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