LULAC CELEBRATES U.S. AIR FORCE'S SUPPORT FOR NATURALIZING BMT TRAINEES
Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force
Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Salutes the Air Force for Streamlining Citizenship Process
May 4, 2023
For more information, contact David Cruz at (818) 689-9991
davidcruz@lulac.org
Washington, DC – The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization in the United States, proudly announces its support and extends heartfelt congratulations to the U.S. Air Force for taking the lead in assisting 14 Basic Military Training (BMT) trainees in becoming naturalized American citizens. This remarkable achievement has been made possible by implementing a new, streamlined process that simplifies and enhances the efficiency of the steps involved.
LULAC commends the Air Force for recognizing the invaluable contributions made by non-citizen men and women servicemembers who wholeheartedly defend our nation. Domingo Garcia, the National President of LULAC, describes this significant step forward as a testament to our country's commitment to honoring those who dedicate their lives to protecting America. He states, "LULAC thanks the Honorable Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr., Under Secretary of Defense. Also, Mr. Frank Kendall, Secretary of the Air Force, and Gen. John Q. Brown, Jr., Air Force Chief of Staff. We applaud the U.S. Air Force for their proactive approach in acknowledging the invaluable contributions of non-citizen men and women servicemembers who loyally defend our country in military uniform."
Through the new and improved process, Air Force trainees complete all the necessary paperwork, meet the citizenship test requirements, and take their oath of allegiance in as little as seven and a half weeks. This remarkable achievement showcases the dedication and efficiency of the U.S. Air Force's commitment to facilitating the naturalization process for these brave individuals.
Dantiza "Dee" James, the Executive Director of Repatriate Our Patriots, and member of the LULAC National Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs celebrates the U.S. Air Force for their initiative in leading the way in bringing naturalization back to basic training. James emphasizes the importance of other military services following suit to ensure that the men and women who faithfully serve and defend our nation are not at risk of deportation or being unable to live in the country they so selflessly fought for. James states, "This is definitely a step in the right direction. The process needs to become a permanent standard for all military branches instead of a temporary strategy to increase recruitment numbers. The military must deliver on its promise of citizenship through military service. We urge the other military services to do the same. This program will help to ensure that men and women who faithfully serve and defend our nation are not deported at some point in their future and cannot live in the country they were willing to die for and sacrifice their lives."
President Garcia further emphasizes that this achievement marks a significant milestone in recognizing the rights and contributions of non-citizen servicemembers. Their unwavering dedication and commitment to our nation should not go unnoticed. By streamlining the naturalization process, the U.S. Air Force has set a commendable example for other military services to follow.
LULAC stands ready to support and collaborate with the U.S. Air Force, other Department of Defense Agencies, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and other organizations that facilitate the naturalization process for non-citizen servicemembers. Together, we can ensure that every individual who wears the uniform of our armed forces has the opportunity to become a proud American citizen in recognition of their service to our Nation.
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