Veterans

[Nicola]

Do you think US Veterans of a foreign war should be offered the opportunity to accept US citizenship at the time of their retirement or separation, with an honorable discharge, without any further red tape, tests or applications?

[PayTheMan]

No. We gotta make sure the veterans are mentally sound. Also we already have an impending social security crisis on our hands with so many baby boomers retiring and not enough people to replace their spots. As far as I know these veterans would enter the US economy already retired, so they could possibly add more strain.

[Nicola]

Please read my question one more time.
Example:
Immigrant comes to this country.
Gets drafted.
Sent to war.
Serves honorably.
At seperation from military service should said immigrant have the option to become a citizen of the US without having to apply for citizenship like typical immigrants who have not served in the military.

[Diamond Dog]

That makes sense especially if it's a time of war.

But what about immigrans who serve their country in other ways besides armed forces?

Doctors, social wokers, teachers, police, firefighters?


Please read my question one more time.
Example:
Immigrant comes to this country.
Gets drafted.
Sent to war.
Serves honorably.
At seperation from military service should said immigrant have the option to become a citizen of the US without having to apply for citizenship like typical immigrants who have not served in the military.

[PayTheMan]

Please read my question one more time.
Example:
Immigrant comes to this country.
Gets drafted.
Sent to war.
Serves honorably.
At seperation from military service should said immigrant have the option to become a citizen of the US without having to apply for citizenship like typical immigrants who have not served in the military.

Never said anything about a draft in the first question. Your wording in this last post also sways my decision to 'yes'. Though there may need to be a thorough process to weed out those who enlist solely for citizenship. Remember the things Machiavelli said on the subject of mercenary armies?
Mercenaries fight weakly and only for self-gain which could put the rest of the soldiers at risk.

However, this whole question relies on the honor part. If they fight with honor, then yes they should be granted citizenship.

[Nicola]

I'm glad you changed to yes.
I am that person (immigrant veteran). I was drafted 1964, went to Vietnam as crewchief, got an honorable discharge. When asking for citizenship I was asked to apply just like any other immigrant. I did not become a citizen for 49 years. Now I see this country needs me again, and I will jump through the hoops to get my citizenship so I can get rid of the present administration.
As far as other professionals, doctors, social workers, etc. should apply the normal way. Remember soldiers are armed combatents who put their life on the line every day of service during a war and are targets for the enemy.

[Roscoe_Beedle]

I agree with your statement about the military placing their life on the line. As such have no problem with a citizenship offer for those that serve honorably.

But the Bush rhetoric gets so tired and boring. He's out of office in 2 years anyway.

[Nicola]

I agree with your statement about the military placing their life on the line. As such have no problem with a citizenship offer for those that serve honorably.

But the Bush rhetoric gets so tired and boring. He's out of office in 2 years anyway.

He can do a lot of damage in two years. Maybe he's off to Iran next.