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[Congressional Record: November 12, 2003 (Senate)]
[Page S14481-S14494]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr12no03-37]
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004--CONFERENCE
REPORT--Resumed
[ ... ]
Mr. KENNEDY. The Defense authorization bill contains many provisions
that provide essential support for our military personnel, especially
when we are asking so much from them in Iraq and around the world.
[ ... ]
The legislation also eases the path to citizenship for immigrants who
serve in our Armed Forces and provides immigration benefits to
surviving family members of those killed in service. 37,000 men and
women in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard have the
immigration status of permanent residents serving in our Armed Forces.
Another 12,000 permanent residents are in the Reserves and the National
Guard.
The legislation also improves access to naturalization for lawful
permanent residents serving in the military. It provides expedited
naturalization for members of the Selected Reserves during military
conflicts. It protects spouses, children, and parents of soldiers
killed in action, by preserving their ability to file for permanent
residence in the United States.
Over a dozen immigrant soldiers have been killed in Iraq and these
benefits are well deserved. These immigration provisions in the bill
are a tribute to the sacrifices that these future Americans are already
making for their adopted country. They deserve recognition for their
bravery and loyalty to the basic ideals and freedoms of our
country. Unfortunately, although the bill provides many needed benefits
for our men and women in uniform, it lets down their civilian
counterparts.
[ ... ]
[ End]
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