The Iraq War: Latino Marines

The posting stating that US citizenship would be granted to non-citizens after a week in the armed forces mas met with skepticism. One of the doubters, General Sullivan, said he would look into it. I picked up the story from Mexican sources, but it is covered in an article in US News & World Report (14/4/03) titled "Latin Heroes. Hispanics have been joining up in record numbers. But no one planned on dying". Here are a few points. Hispanics (mostly Mexican) are attracted by video war games, and they sign up mostly in the Marines, a service which appeals to their macho tradition. When some of these young men were killed, it rocked the "Hispanic" communities of Los Angeles. People were surprised. The Marines recruit heavily in Latino high schools. The attractions are educational benefits and fast track citizenship. In July 2002 (so it's not a new story!) President Bush ordered that green card holders who are on active duty be allowed to apply immediately for citizenship, waiving the usual three-year period.The government has created a team to swiftly process citizenship applications from the military, which have ballooned from about 200 a month to about 1,300. The death of US Hispanics has aroused anger in their countries of origin, where the war is generally opposed. One killed "never expected to be in combat". He joined the Marines as a ticket to college, friends said, so he could study to become a stockbroker or an FBI agent. One recruit, a scrawny teenager with earrings in both ears, said "I'm hoping the war will be over by then. I just want to go to college".

Ronald Hilton - 4/19/03