World
Not Enough Joining US Military: Here's An Interesting Solution By A Senator — Let Illegal Immigrants Join, In Exchange For Citizenship
A US military soldier standing in front of a US Bradley infantry fighting vehcile. (Delil Souleiman/AFP via Getty Images)
The United States is struggling to recruit enough personnel in its military, with last year's (2022) recruitment numbers being the lowest in decades.
Last year, the US Army fell short of recruiting 15,000 active-duty soldiers or 25 per cent of its target, forcing it to reduce its strength from 476,000 to 466,000 soldiers. The Air Force and Navy also fell short of their respective targets, and this is expected to slow down even more.
Meanwhile, thousands of immigrants lined up at its southern border hoping to get a chance to live in the US.
Democratic Party Senator from Illinois, Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has an unconventional solution for these twin problems of recruitment and immigration.
During a recent speech in the US Senate, Durbin, acknowledging the 'overwhelming numbers' at the US border, called for a reconsideration of America's immigration approach, particularly given its identity as a nation of immigrants.
He proposed recruiting undocumented immigrants who want a chance to serve and risk their lives for this country in the US military, offering them citizenship in return.
Senator Durbin pointed out the recruitment struggles within the US military, describing the low enlistment levels as a "grave threat to our national security." He noted that all branches of the military are failing to meet their monthly recruitment quotas, with the Army, Navy, and Air Force all experiencing shortfalls.
“Do you know what the recruiting numbers are at the Army, Navy, and the Air Force? They can't reach their quotas each month. They can't find enough people to join our military forces. And there are those who are undocumented who want the chance to serve and risk their lives for this country. Should we give them a chance? I think we should," he said.
He believes that granting this chance could address the recruitment crisis while providing undocumented individuals a means to demonstrate their loyalty and commitment to the country.
Durbin, whose mother was an immigrant, highlighted his unique position as a first-generation American and expressed his understanding of the complex issues faced by the country.
“I'm a person who believes in immigration. My mother was an immigrant, and I'm proud to be in the Senate as a first-generation American representing the great state of Illinois," he added.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest
