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One Reporter's Opinion: Fighting to Be an American George PutnamIt is this reporter's opinion that it is time to step back and take another look at a special group of those I choose to call "illegal aliens." Never thought I'd say it, but I want to heap praise on a group of young men and women who are fighting for their citizenship. The case of Lance Cpl. Jose Gutierrez, one of the first Marines killed in combat in Iraq, who fought and died for a country he could not call his own, brought this into sharp focus.
Jose, a young Guatemalan, was brought to this country by his illegal alien parents as one of thousands of non-citizens who adopted our language, culture, education, benefits and job security. When he became old enough, he obtained a Green Card and enlisted in the Marine Corps.
Jose was one of so many who have followed the same route toward citizenship. In the year 2000 they numbered 28,000. Today there are more than 37,000. California contributes one out of every three Green Card soldiers - more than any other state. At least half of the first 10 Californians tragically killed in the war were not yet citizens. The enlistees come in on the day they receive their Green Card, which documents their residency. There are Los Angeles neighborhoods where 50 percent of the enlistees are non-citizens.
Sgt. Jorge Montes, a Marine recruiter in East Los Angeles, says: "These kids are so thankful for what this country offers them. They really have an appreciation of what they have here."
All of these young men and women are on a fast track to naturalization, education, careers and, ultimately, citizenship. As this is written, Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez is awarded his American citizenship posthumously. Fellow Marine, fellow American citizen, we're proud of you.
Jose, Arian - all of you - we are proud to call you fellow American citizens.
For a more extended article on this subject, go to:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/
The legendary George Putnam is 88 years young and a veteran of 68 years as a reporter, broadcaster and commentator ... and is still going strong. George is part of the all-star line-up of Southern California's KPLS Radio – Hot Talk AM 830. Click here for George's complete bio ... and check out a new feature article in Insight magazine on George
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