WASHINGTON (AP) — After serving with the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq, Julio Torres has the American flag and Marine Corps insignia tattooed on his arms, showcasing his pride and commitment to his country. However, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and struggles with substance abuse have altered Torres's path, leading him to become a pastor focused on helping others navigate similar challenges.
Despite his service and legal residency as a green card holder, Torres expresses deep fear regarding the current political climate in East Texas, where enforcement of immigration laws has intensified.
In the midst of President Donald Trump’s harsh immigration policies, he feels his community has transformed from a place of freedom to one of confinement. Torres, a Mexican migrant who legally entered the U.S. at five, was previously detained under the Biden administration, highlighting the precarious situation for many veterans like him.
'Do I want to leave this nation? No. I want to serve it. I want to continue to serve my community,' Torres stated, lamenting the irony of potentially facing deportation despite his military service.
Torres’s predicament is a reminder of the over 100,000 military veterans residing in the U.S. without citizenship, as per recent estimates from the Congressional Research Service. This situation raises questions about the promises made to those who serve their nation, as the Trump administration’s immigration policies threaten to undo such commitments.
Concerns about these policies have been voiced by Democrats in Congress, with proposed legislation aimed at safeguarding the status of veterans entangled in immigration issues. Among the advocates is Rep. Mark Takano, whose bipartisan bill seeks to ensure that immigrants with military backgrounds are recognized and given pathways to lawful immigration status.
Torres vividly recalls his anger and despair during his five-day detention after being stopped by Customs and Border Protection agents while traveling back to Texas. 'I was angry that I served a nation that now did not want me,' he reflected.
This anxiety is not unique; other deported veterans have faced life-threatening situations upon returning to their countries after service. For instance, David Bariu, deported to Kenya, spoke about living under constant fear due to the presence of terrorist groups.
The path to citizenship for immigrants who serve in the military is often convoluted, with various legislative attempts to streamline the process. Takano's bill proposes significant improvements to assist service members in naturalization as well as their family members in obtaining green cards.
Amidst these complexities, Torres remains hopeful that his story and similar experiences can shift the focus towards veterans' issues rather than divisive immigration politics. 'I love my nation. I consider this my homeland,' he asserts, emphasizing the deep connections that noncitizen veterans have with the U.S.
