Speech #1100047187

I want to thank my friend and colleague from San Antonio. Congressman CHARLIE GONZALEZ. for taking this opportunity tonight for us to recognize those soldiers that have served our country and that have been immigrants and are noncitizens of this country. I want to personally thank him for allowing this opportunity for us to be able to do that. There are approximately 69.300 foreignborn men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces. roughly 5 percent of the total active duty force. Of those 43 percent. which is 29.800. are not U.S. citizens. I repeat. of those that are serving our country. of those 69.000. 43 percent. or 29.800. are nonU.S. citizens. The Pentagon says more than 100 immigrant soldiers have died in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan in the last 5 years. I want to repeat that again. that over 100 immigrant soldiers have died both in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. This evening. I join my colleagues in paying tribute and recognizing the service of these men and women who. out of the desire to become citizens of the United States. enlist and fight proudly and bravely for our country. They display the ultimate symbol of patriotism and of commitment to defending a dream that we all share. The service and sacrifice of these brave immigrants is often lost in our debate over immigration reform. That is why I am here this evening to share the story of immigrant soldiers from the 23rd Congressional District. The story and life of the soldier is of great significance to the State of Texas and the Nation. Earlier this year.