Army Reserve green card ban “sends chilling message” to immigrants, veterans group says

U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Krzysztof Misiura (left) and Army Reserve Specialist Christian Joy Tecson, formerly of the Philippines, are sworn in as U.S. citizens in 2008. Source: M. Spencer Green/AP

The head of a group supporting immigrant veterans is condemning the Army Reserve’s temporary ban on green card holders as a “chilling” signal to permanent residents that they are not welcome in the U.S. military.   “I think it’s inconsistent with our military values and inconsistent with what America stands for,” Nathan Fletcher, chairman of the Honorably Discharged, Dishonorably Deported Coalition, said in a phone interview Thursday.   Mic reported Wednesday that the U.S. Army Reserve will not allow green card holders to enlist “for the time being” because of new background screening measures announced Friday. Under the new policy, which is effective immediately, permanent residents must complete a background check before entering basic training.   Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called the move “ridiculous” in a recent interview with Mic. “It would cut down on a very valuable sector of men and women who are willing to serve our country,” he said.   Read more here.

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