New DOD policy will allow some Dreamers to join the military
Undocumented young immigrants who grew up in the United States will be allowed to enlist in the military under a new policy that the Department…
(From left to right) Democratic Reps. Joaquin Castro of Texas, Mike Coffman of Colorado, and Luis Gutierrez of Illinois watch young immigrants seeking to serve in the military line up before a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol in May. (Flickr/RepLuisGutierrez)
Undocumented young immigrants who grew up in the United States will be allowed to enlist in the military under a new policy that the Department of Defense announced Thursday.
The new policy will allow undocumented young immigrants to enlist in the military if they came to the U.S. before the age of 16 and have been approved for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. They must also have distinctive medical or language skills.
SEE ALSO: Democrats introduce resolution to allow Dreamers to join the military
Those who meet the criteria will be able to enlist in the military under the existing program called Military Accessions Vital to National Interest. The program allows 1,500 immigrants with visas to enlist every year and makes them eligible for an expedited path to citizenship.
Officials told the Military Times on Thursday that its unclear how many DACA recipients will be eligible to enlist under the new policy. But supporters predict that only a few Dreamers will be eligible.
Cesar Vargas is one of thousands of Dreamers who want to serve in the U.S. military. (Photo courtesy of Dream Action Coalition)
Cesar Vargas, co-director of the Dream Action Coalition, said in a statement that his group commends the Obama administration for announcing the new policy. However, he said the policy is a small fix that addresses a small part of an enormous problem with our immigration system.
Limited executive action is not the answer, stated Vargas, whos also a DACA recipient who wants to serve in the military. The President must lead in the face of congressional obstruction and act bold as he moves forward with executive action. This limited action should not be precedent for upcoming action.
Vargas is also part of group called Dream Army, which is made up of Dreamers who want to serve in the military. The group has been pressing the White House and the DOD to allow Dreamers with DACA to enlist.
SEE ALSO: Steve King: Dreamers should be deported, not allowed to join military
Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) echoed Vargas sentiment and said that limiting the number of DACA recipients who are able to enlist in the military was a mistake. He said the Obama administration should take broader action to allow all DACA recipients to serve in the military, not just a few.
The Obama Administration is saying they have the power to allow DACA recipients to serve, but are choosing not to use it, the Illinois Democrat said in a statement.
Gutierrez added that he hopes this matter will be revisited after the midterm elections in November when President Obama is expected to issue a number of executive actions to reform the nations immigration system.
