Despite the immigration issues making headlines, there is another, less-public immigration issue going on in the background. Immigrants seemingly earning their right to be in this country through service in the military are typically being deported following their service.
In 1863 Abraham Lincoln signed the 1st Enrollment Act following passage through Congress. The law required immigrants to make themselves available for the U.S. military draft. Green card carrying immigrants can still serve in the U.S. military. A 1996 law, however, changed the dynamic of that service.
The Immigrations Nationality Act essentially allowed the government to deport all immigrants, including those holding green cards, and including those who have served in this nation’s military. Every veteran is treated as a foreign national and no option or concern is offered for military veterans.
The situation creates a strange dichotomy. Most immigrants are detained following their military service, and usually deported to their native country. Despite this, because of their military service to this country they still qualify for burial in National Cemeteries located on foreign soil, compete with their survivors being given an American flag.
Many of these immigrants return from combat with injuries, some of them very severe. People volunteering to give their life for this country are considered foreign nationals the minute they take off their uniform, despite many suffering debilitating injuries. Honorable discharges don’t equate in U.S. citizenship.
If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, contact LaVan & Neidenberg. You may be entitled to certain programs and benefits so contact our veterans disability rights firm today.