More than 100 deployed service members in Iraq became U.S. citizens
February 16th, 2010 - 12:45 am ICT by BNO NewsBAGHDAD, IRAQ (BNO NEWS) – U.S. Forces in Iraq announced that at least 100 servicemembers became U.S. citizens on Monday.
Exactly 106 deployed soldiers and one Airman officially became U.S. citizens during a mass naturalization ceremony in the United States Forces-Iraq headquarters this Monday morning.
As the ceremony’s host, Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby, Deputy Commanding General for Operations, addressed the 107 servicemembers from 44 different countries.
Among the present, Robert Ford, U.S. Ambassador Deputy Chief of Mission in Baghdad was there to congratulate the new Americans, and Robert Daum, field office director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in Rome certified each of the servicemembers that had fulfilled all the requirements for the naturalization process.
Before becoming U.S. citizens, it is required to become a candidate, which is a challenge of its own. Maj. Robert Baker, USF-I human resources officer in charge of plans and policies, explained that normally, citizenship candidates process green cards during five years before becoming candidates; but joining the U.S. armed forces may reduce this time to one. Furthermore, a military service member may be declared eligible for citizenship after serving the country one day in combat.
After eligibility, it takes approximately 90 days to complete the process. Two vital exams are required during this period, an English proficiency test in reading, writing and speaking and a basic knowledge text of U.S. history and government, which is usually know as a “civics” test.
After passing the exams, the candidate is interviewed by a USCIS agent, and the oath of allegiance to the United States may then be administered, during a naturalization ceremony held at a later date.
“Through their military service they have all made significant contributions to our nation’s strength long before they were granted citizenship,” Lt. Gen.Jacobs said. “They have embraced the call to serve our country while still looking forward to the day when they could claim America as their very own,” he added.
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