thedrifter
07-19-07, 11:19 AM
The Fourth of July is the day when Americans celebrate their independence and honor those who have served their country to maintain that freedom. This year, a hand full of Marines celebrated Independence Day in a new way, as citizens.
Twenty two Marines deployed throughout Iraq, raised their hands to pledge allegiance to the United States and become legal citizens of the country they serve, July 2.
“Today we are able to give them the oath of citizenship and they take their place in a long line of American heroes who have served their country prior to becoming citizens all the way back to the revolutionary war and up until today,” said Jonathan Scharfen, the deputy director for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. “It’s an honor and pleasure to come here and swear in new citizens.”
The Marines took part in a naturalization ceremony held for more than 100 service members in Iraq at Balad Air Base.
There are more than 30,000 foreign nationals who have been serving in the armed forces since the start of the war on terror and have become citizens, according to Scharfen.
A new executive order signed by the president, which states that anyone who serves during this time of war qualifies as a citizen, has a allowed many service members to achieve their citizenship.
“We will come any time and any place in Iraq to make sure that these troops, who have dedicated themselves to serving our nation, get to swear the oath and become citizens as expeditiously as possible,” said John M. Bulger, the Rome district director for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. “Normally we come here five or six times a year and we are looking forward to coming back in the near future."
The process, which usually takes about five to six months, is fairly easy for service members.
“Being in the military definitely made it easier,” said Gunnery Sgt. Juan Nakamura, a civil affairs specialist for 5th Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment Civil Affairs Group. “Due to the fact that there are no fees, and you sort of get head of the line privileges in most cases.”
The process is started when the service members go to their administration personnel to get the paperwork going. Then U.S. citizenship and immigration service officers come out and do the naturalization interviews to make sure that the individuals qualify as citizens, according to Scharfen.
“They asked me general questions about my past, if I have ever been involved with illegal activities and stuff like that,” said Abisai Celleja, an aviation life support systems mechanic for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269. “The test was just common knowledge that Americans should know.”
Within six months, service members became proud new citizens.
“The ceremony was great,” said Celleja “I was definitely excited about it and glad that I finally did it. It has been a long time waiting.”
Twenty two Marines deployed throughout Iraq, raised their hands to pledge allegiance to the United States and become legal citizens of the country they serve, July 2.
“Today we are able to give them the oath of citizenship and they take their place in a long line of American heroes who have served their country prior to becoming citizens all the way back to the revolutionary war and up until today,” said Jonathan Scharfen, the deputy director for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. “It’s an honor and pleasure to come here and swear in new citizens.”
The Marines took part in a naturalization ceremony held for more than 100 service members in Iraq at Balad Air Base.
There are more than 30,000 foreign nationals who have been serving in the armed forces since the start of the war on terror and have become citizens, according to Scharfen.
A new executive order signed by the president, which states that anyone who serves during this time of war qualifies as a citizen, has a allowed many service members to achieve their citizenship.
“We will come any time and any place in Iraq to make sure that these troops, who have dedicated themselves to serving our nation, get to swear the oath and become citizens as expeditiously as possible,” said John M. Bulger, the Rome district director for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. “Normally we come here five or six times a year and we are looking forward to coming back in the near future."
The process, which usually takes about five to six months, is fairly easy for service members.
“Being in the military definitely made it easier,” said Gunnery Sgt. Juan Nakamura, a civil affairs specialist for 5th Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment Civil Affairs Group. “Due to the fact that there are no fees, and you sort of get head of the line privileges in most cases.”
The process is started when the service members go to their administration personnel to get the paperwork going. Then U.S. citizenship and immigration service officers come out and do the naturalization interviews to make sure that the individuals qualify as citizens, according to Scharfen.
“They asked me general questions about my past, if I have ever been involved with illegal activities and stuff like that,” said Abisai Celleja, an aviation life support systems mechanic for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269. “The test was just common knowledge that Americans should know.”
Within six months, service members became proud new citizens.
“The ceremony was great,” said Celleja “I was definitely excited about it and glad that I finally did it. It has been a long time waiting.”