Washington - Today, Heritage Action announced it would key vote against Rep. Jeff Denham's (R-CA) ENLIST Act (H.R. 2377) if it or any similar legislation is brought to the House floor. In a post yesterday, Heritage Action's south central regional coordinator Wade Miller, himself a combat veteran, explained using military service as a mechanism for backdoor amnesty is wrong:
Allowing DREAMers-unlawful immigrants brought to the U.S. as minors-to acquire lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in exchange for military service turns military service into a penance. Our volunteer military thrives in large part because American citizens recognize that it is a privilege, not a punishment, to serve in the military. The United States spends a significant amount of money to impart essential and enduring skills on military servicemen and women. It is both an honor and a benefit to be a part of the military - it certainly should not be treated as a punishment. As a Marine, I am committed to protecting and serving my country, and never looked at military service as a punishment. It is appalling and misguided for Washington politicians to attempt to use the military for amnesty.
Related:
Heritage Action Scorecard
Sentinel Policy Brief: Using the Military for Amnesty
Heritage: ENLIST: Wrong for National and Homeland Security