1000s of Immigrants in US Military Struggle for Citizenship

According to a New York Times report, stricter vetting of immigrants who are enlisted as soldiers is delaying fast-track citizenship.

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The newspaper said there are at least 4,300 people currently enlisted in the army who are facing long waits for background checks, which are delaying training and deployment. Under these enhanced screening measures, recruits are subjected to at least 10 years of background checks on finances, education and professional activities, credit and criminal background checks and extensive interviews, the Times wrote. These procedures carried over from the former U.S. President Barack Obama's Administration.

Additionally, all persons being processed are required to remain on U.S. military bases until the reviews are completed, the Times explained. The newspaper also said some 1,500 enlistees have seen their legal status expired during this extensive waiting period. The majority of servicemen who are affected are enrolled in the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest, or MAVNI, program.

The MAVNI program is designed for immigrants, with special medical or language skills, who have resided in the U.S. for two years or more. MAVNI enrollees are often fast-tracked to becoming U.S. citizens after they have completed basic training. According to the Times, approximately 10,000 people have gained citizenship through MAVNI, and 109,000 overall through military service, since the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.

The paper further stated that these individuals are reserves, who — according to the army — are at risk of being deported. Anbazhagan Chinnappillai told the Times that he came to the U.S. on a student visa, which was revoked when he joined the military and has been on the citizenship waiting list since then. "I thought joining the military was going to help me have a better life, like an American dream," Chinnappillai said.