US naturalises 32,000 immigrant soldiers since Iraq war
Thursday, 26 July 2007
WASHINGTON, July 25 (AFP): Dressed in US military uniforms, an Iraqi, a Mexican and a Colombian stand proudly at their naturalization ceremony, each clutching a miniature American flag in one hand and a copy of the constitution in the other.
"You are part of the most exclusive club in the world," director of US citizenship and immigration services Emilio Gonzalez told them Tuesday at the ceremony, which included 25 new citizens-mostly soldiers-from 14 nations.
"You've accepted to defend the principles of the greatest country in the world," said Gonzalez, who is himself a naturalized American.
Each year the United States naturalizes more than 700,000 immigrants. Once they join the armed forces, immigrants who usually have residency based on a green card, are able to fast track their citizenship because they are serving in a "time of war."
Since the attacks of September 11, 2001 the option has been offered to all immigrants who have enlisted in the military. And since the start of the war in Iraq in March 2003, 32,500 immigrant soldiers have been naturalized.
Tegada arrived in the United States four years ago but obtained his citizenship in six months. Normally one must have five years of residence in order to gain American citizenship.
"You are part of the most exclusive club in the world," director of US citizenship and immigration services Emilio Gonzalez told them Tuesday at the ceremony, which included 25 new citizens-mostly soldiers-from 14 nations.
"You've accepted to defend the principles of the greatest country in the world," said Gonzalez, who is himself a naturalized American.
Each year the United States naturalizes more than 700,000 immigrants. Once they join the armed forces, immigrants who usually have residency based on a green card, are able to fast track their citizenship because they are serving in a "time of war."
Since the attacks of September 11, 2001 the option has been offered to all immigrants who have enlisted in the military. And since the start of the war in Iraq in March 2003, 32,500 immigrant soldiers have been naturalized.
Tegada arrived in the United States four years ago but obtained his citizenship in six months. Normally one must have five years of residence in order to gain American citizenship.