Former Marine Faces Deportation After Lengthy Struggle for U.S. Citizenship
A Marine Corps veteran, who has called the United States home for over three decades, is on the brink of deportation back to his homeland, New Zealand. Despite having no criminal history and serving in the military for seven years, his long battle for U.S. citizenship seems to be on the losing end.
His ordeal began when his application for citizenship was denied, a fact that came to public attention last year. The veteran and his family did not lose hope, though, and continued to fight for his case, garnering support from a variety of political figures.
Unfortunately, his hopes were dashed earlier this year when a federal judge dismissed his appeal, edging him one step closer to leaving the country he has considered his home for 35 years.
Questioning the Immigration System
Politicians from both ends of the political spectrum, including a Secretary of State and current and former Congresswomen, have all expressed concern for the veteran's situation. Some have even extended their assistance. However, the veteran believes that the U.S. immigration system is flawed, particularly since there are currently no laws that grant automatic citizenship to honorably discharged veterans with no criminal convictions.
The veteran's lawyer shared this optimism, hoping that citizenship would be granted on appeal. But, that wasn't the outcome. Now, with limited choices left, the veteran is planning to leave the U.S. and move back to New Zealand.
The Start of a Complex Journey
The veteran takes pride in his service and his home in Florida is adorned with memorabilia from his time in the Marine Corps. He prominently showcases the various commendations he received during his military service in the 1990s.
As a young man, he arrived in the U.S. on a foreign exchange student visa, but stayed longer than allowed. He enlisted in the Marine Corps during Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf, under the impression that serving and being honorably discharged would secure his citizenship.
"I just fell in love with this country. I just wanted to serve and protect," he said.
He fulfilled his commitment, leaving the Marines in 1998 after a decorated seven-year term. He built his life in Florida, marrying his wife, Paula, and starting a family. He even participated in voting. However, while applying for a new driver’s license, he discovered that he was not actually a legal U.S. citizen.
He hired a lawyer and his case began its long journey through the courts. Years of hope and frustration ended last month when a federal judge decided that despite his enlistment during conflict, he hadn't been an active-duty Marine until after Operation Desert Storm had finished.
Despite being married to a U.S. citizen and having adult children who are citizens, he was not eligible for immigration sponsorship due to his past voting record. He believed he was a citizen, which he thought granted him the right to vote. His voting history, however, prevents him from seeking citizenship status, even with help from his American family.
Final Preparations to Depart the U.S.
With his options running out, his lawyer shared that the only way for him to stay in the U.S. would be if Congress passes a special naturalization bill or if the President intervenes on his behalf.
A representative from Florida has been in contact with the veteran about his case.
"My office is aware of the veteran’s situation, and we are working with our partners in the administration to determine what options may be available in light of the recent court decisions. We will keep the constituent updated as we learn more,” the representative stated.
Did the veteran simply fall through the cracks of a massive, intricate system?
“I feel like I’ve been shoved through a crack,” he said.
The veteran's family is now making arrangements for him to be deported back to New Zealand.
“My oldest boy is going to empty out the house and sell it,” he said. “And that’s the end of my time in America. Because I can’t come back.”
For the veteran, the country he served can deny him citizenship, but it can’t erase his time as a loyal Marine.
“I have earned the title of United States Marine and they’re never going to take that from me,” he said.