Amnesty for Military Service is Wrong: A Marine’s Perspective

BREITBART — Representative Jeff Denham’s (R-CA) “Encourage New Legalized Immigrants to Start Training”, or “ENLIST,” Act (H.R. 2377), would allow DREAMers—unlawful immigrants brought to the U.S. as minors—to acquire lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in exchange for military service. These bills undermine the important social narrative that allows our all-volunteer military to thrive, namely that service is a benefit, as opposed to a punishment. As a Marine, I can attest this is the wrong approach. It is a privilege to serve in America’s all volunteer force, and that service instills some of the most valuable virtues a citizen could hope for in a Republic. Military service also builds within one the vital moral warrior ethos that every peaceful society must maintain. The United States government also spends significant amounts of money to impart enduring skills on military servicemen and women. The financial compensation for my time in the military pales in comparison to the betterment of my character that military service and combat experience gave me. [Read More]