Speech #1090173784

They want to serve. many of them. in our military. At a time when our military is lowering its standards due to serious recruiting shortfalls. we should not underestimate the significance of these young people as a national security asset. The Department of Defense has shown increased interest in this bill. understanding that there is a talent pool of these young people who are technically undocumented but want to live in the United States and serve our country. They need that talent. We need that talent as a nation. On July 10. the Senate Committee on Armed Services held a hearing on the contributions of immigrants to the military. David Chu. the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. said the following: There are an estimated 50.000 to 65.000 undocumented alien young adults who enter the United States at an early age and graduate from high school each year. many of whom are bright. energetic and potentially interested in military service. They include many who have participated in high school Junior ROTC programs. Under current law. these people are not eligible to enlist in the military. If their parents are undocumented or in immigration limbo. most of these young people have no mechanism to obtain legal residency even if they have lived most of their lives here. Yet many of these young