The Hill
By Krisina Wong
May 14, 2015
Hillary
Clinton is backing a push to allow certain illegal immigrants to serve
in the U.S. military, as lawmakers begin debate on its annual defe
The
announcement from Clinton's presidential campaign came Thursday, as
lawmakers began debate on a defense policy bill containing a provision
that would encourage the
defense secretary to allow illegal immigrants to serve in the military
in exchange for a fast-track to citizenship. The language also calls for
a study of the impacts of allowing the "DREAMers" — a term used to
describe illegal immigrants brought to the U.S.
as children — to serve.
"If
these courageous young men and women want to serve, they should be
honored and celebrated, not discriminated against. Hillary Clinton is
committed to comprehensive
immigration reform to strengthen families and our country," said
Hillary for America National Political Director Amanda Renteria.
"While
we keep up the pressure for comprehensive action, allowing DREAMers to
serve in the military is the right step forward," Renteria added.
The
2016 Democratic presidential contender has embraced a pathway to
citizenship for illegal immigrants, thrilling immigration activists and
Democrats who believe it could
help solidify support among Hispanics.
The
immigration provision has sparked one of the fiercest fights in the
House so far of the defense bill, which would authorize Pentagon funding
and activities.
A group of Republicans, led by Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.), has proposed an amendment that would strip the provision from the bill.
Rep.
Ruben Gallego (D-Texas) successfully added the provision by amendment
to the House Armed Services Committee's mark last month. Six Republicans
on the panel supported
the amendment.
Republican Reps. Mike Coffman (Colo.) and Jeff Denham (Calif.) are whipping votes against Brooks' amendment.
The
House began considering amendments to the bill on Thursday, and is
expected to vote on the amendment sometime in the evening. The House is
expected to vote on the
bill on Friday.
For more information, go to: www.beverlyhillsimmigrationlaw.com
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