The U.S. Senate held a hearing in Chicago on Monday to discuss the issue of immigrant military enlistment. Those who testified urged Republican leaders in Congress to allow a vote on comprehensive immigration reform.
Democrat Luis Gutierrez of Illinois pushed for several things during his testimony. He wants immigrants to join the military, regardless of their citizenship status. He argued that they could fill the shortage of qualified and willing people available to enlist.
"We have young men and women that are immigrants that are in this country that are smart and physically fit and do you know what the most important thing is? Committed to the defense of our country and our nation. We should allow them to join the military especially at this time of need," said Gutierrez.
Immigrant rights advocates and representatives from high school military academies also spoke on Monday. They joined Gutierrez to press Congress for comprehensive immigration reform.
