In his 10 years in the U.S. Army, Luis Lopez served 10 years in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning medals and rising to the rank of staff sergeant. Mr. Lopez is also an illegal immigrant. The 28-year-old native of Mexico was discharged in December from the Army after applying for U.S. citizenship. His case reflects the federal government’s complex relationship with illegal immigrants in the armed forces. Mr. Lopez’s story took a few twists and turns, including a recommendation from his commanding officer that he granted citizenship. On Wednesday, in an office in Anchorage, Alaska, he became a citizen. Luis Lopez holds a photo of himself in his former Staff Sgt. Army uniform while living in his girlfriend’s apartment in Eagle River Alaska. Lopez was discharged after ten years of honorable service because he applied for citizenship and is awaiting the outcome of his pending immigration case. Mr. Lopez takes the U.S. citizenship oath on Wednesday in Anchorage, Alaska.
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 22:16:48 +0000
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