For many immigrants, the United States Military is home away from home.The US Military is distinguished by patriotism that knows no borders.As of June 30, 2009, there were 114,601 foreign‐born individuals serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, representing 7.91 percent of the 1.4 million military personnel on active duty. Roughly 80.97 percent of foreign‐born service members were naturalized U.S. citizens, while 12.66 percent were not U.S. citizens. [Immigration Policy Center, 11/09].Latin America and the Caribbean accounted for the largest percentage of the foreign born, followed closely by Asia.Foreign-born military personnel from Latin America and the Caribbean constituted 38.7 percent of all the foreign born in the armed forces. [Migration Policy Institute, 5/08].
Foreign born military personnel are loyal to and heed the call to fight for the principles of freedom and democracy just as native-born soldiers do.On duty, they experience the same honor of defending this country. And upon separation from service, as veterans they face the same issues of readjustment to civilian life, including the joys and sorrows, as their native-born comrades.
Number of Foreign-Born Veterans of the US Armed Forces:
In 2007, there were about 645,000 foreign-born veterans of the U.S. armed forces.This figure does not include those currently serving in the military. [Migration Policy Institute, 10/08].
Number of US Military Veteran Family Members of International Heritage:
Unknown.However, if there are 645,000 foreign-born veterans, not including those still on active duty (in 2007), then imagine the number of family members who can join us to become a phenomenal support unit.
Veterans, families and individuals of Caribbean and international heritage, join the Movement.Its close to home.
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