Mr. Chairman. immigrants have been fighting in Americas Armed Forces since the founding of the Republic. Many of them did not come here legally. but in countless cases we still allow them to enlist because. for most of our history. your patriotism was more important than your papers. The amendment offered by Congressman KING is inconsistent with this rich tradition of immigrant service. DOD is currently allowing a small number of immigrants who possess critical foreign language and technical skills to join the military through a program called Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest. The amendment before us would end this important program. preventing immigrants from serving in uniform who have medical expertise. linguistic skills. and cultural knowledge that could make a difference in the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. It is important to note that the MAVNI program is fully consistent with current law. As the chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services. Congressman THORNBERRY. stated in a recent debate on this issue: The Secretary has the authority to fill critical needs. whatever they may be. with individuals. however they may have gotten here. It is also worth noting that. though the MAVNI program allows certain DREAMers to serve. it also makes eligible 22 other categories of immigrants. including a variety of visa holders who entered the country legally. Finally. this amendment is contrary to our national security interests. As a proud veteran of the Iraq war.
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