It is Time for DACA Enlistments

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As the lame-duck Congress gets to work, it has been reported they will be seeking protections for those classified as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), better known as Dreamers. DACA folks are those whose parents or guardians brought them to our country, either illegally or over-stayed a legal entry (expired visa, etc.), and maintain residency without an otherwise legal right to be here. The Dreamers themselves did not intentionally or even knowingly break any laws to get here – they were kids.

Many of them successfully navigated our school systems, played sports, work, and made lifelong friends. This is the only country they know, and most love our country and would love to be able to have a path to citizenship.

The Department of Defense over the years, with programs like Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI), has allowed for non-immigrant aliens and those with conditional immigration statuses and certain visas to join and serve in the military to help fill our ranks. Such service has provided a path for U.S. citizenship.

From 1952 until December 31, 1992 when the Navy recruiting station was closed, the United States Navy actively recruited citizens of the Philippines to help fill our ranks. By joining, those who served honorably, and had the desire to do so, could apply for a path to citizenship. The recruitment of those Sailors made us a better Navy, and it was my honor to serve with many of them over the years. It really is a shame the agreement between our two countries was not continued.

Point is, we have a history of going outside the box to man our military. It may be time to step outside again.

Unlike no other time in our post draft history, our military is suffering a shortage of applicants to fill our ranks. For Fiscal Year 2022, it has been reported the Army missed their goal by 25% or 15,000 Soldiers. The other services barely squeaked by, and 2023 looks to be an even more difficult task. Something must be done, and the draft, well, fuhgeddaboudit.

Our government, both federal and local, by their relative inaction for decades, has allowed for these otherwise innocent folks to reside and make lives here. If Congress is able to put together a workable bill for DACA, it should include a path for military service. For the most part, DACA folks are essentially common-law U.S. citizens already. Let’s give them a worthwhile chance to make it official.

In my opinion, and I realize this is a political football, now is the time to open up the opportunity for DACAs to be considered for enlistment into our armed forces and to provide them with a path to citizenship. It is the right fix to both issues, and it is the least expensive option I think we have.

Adding for clarification: My article was not to say only DACA who go military should have a path to citizenship, but if Congress was to do something, to ensure they have a path to join the military which provides for its own path to citizenship (more streamlined). Minimally, Congress would need to address U.S.C. Title 10 Sec. 504 (Persons not Qualified) and make the appropriate changes/additions to it.

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