New DoD Policy: Illegals in the military

SSG Jacob Wiley — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 09:01:21 -0400

I read a bit of the policy and am pretty ticked. I wrote a letter to various outlets:

The United States of America is the land of opportunity, the melting pot, and through all her faults – the greatest nation on Earth. Millions have immigrated here to live our American dream and they have done so legally. What does this “policy”, a term I use loosely, tell everyone? To the individual/family that spent a handsome sum to immigrate legally and become American citizens, it tells them it was a waste. It tells them they could have lied and cheated the system to obtain their citizenship. It tells them that doing the right thing and having integrity doesn’t matter. Those who show no regard for our country or her laws are rewarded with a chance to serve in the most honorable profession this nation has to offer. The Oath of Enlistment states, “"I, (state name of enlistee), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States…” How does one who blatantly breaks this country’s laws and has no regard for the constitution genuinely swear an oath to support and defend that very thing? It’s impossible.

To the service member currently deployed and in harm’s way receiving a “pink slip”, or the man or woman has served honorably but has not achieved a high enough rank, it tells them that the DoD is betraying them. They are no longer good enough to do this nation’s bidding. It tells them, despite all the briefings pertaining to Soldier well being and the “we care about you” talks, that it’s all a lie. It affirms that we are an expendable item; kite strings that can be cut at any time despite our loyalty and sacrifices. We are American citizens, by birth or naturalization, yet we can no longer serve our country? We are being tossed to the side for a lack of funding – yet somehow there is a substantial amount of money to employ individuals who are in this country illegally, are not protected by the constitution, and are not privy to the rights that we all share as Americans. Calling this an injustice is a drastic understatement.

What honor is there in creating a policy which highlights that crime pays? How can any service uphold their “values” when the DoD decides that Respect, Honor, and Integrity can be conveniently ignored to suit an agenda? As service members, our loyalty is to our country – where is the leadership’s loyalty to us?

Any one else feel this way? Service members who immigrated here: what are your thoughts?