Hello All,

I've had certain privileges in growing up as part of a military environment, I've also just submitted my biometrics today and look forward the next stage in my DACA process. I'd like to share in this conversation.

In my curiosity I also wondered what progress the DREAM-ACT is making, which brought me to this website.

I am a dreamer, one of my dreams to one day join the US NAVY and use my military career to create opportunities that will allow me to help with the progress of this country either by involving myself in government or creating private organizations that address and solve issues in education, healthcare, and economics.

In my experience and personal opinion DACA and MAVNI are not and do not provide a clear pathway for undocumented immigrants into the US. Armed Forces.

As far as i've learned. To understand why MAVNI and DACA are not clear pathways for undocumented immigrants into the military you need to understand that; just about all jobs within the government specially the Department of Defense are made of 3 clear requirements. 1.Needed Skill Set, 2. Security Clearance, 3. Physical Limits. (1 and 2 alternate but only if absolutely necessary. i.e. MAVNI.)

1. Needed Skill Set: Citizen or not if you don't posses a NEEDED skill, then why would you be hired?
Let's say there is a need for YOUR Skill (I.e. Bilingual in Arabic, or a PHD in neurological surgery) then the next step would be to determine if you pass the minimum Security Clearance.

2. Security Clearance: Again, Citizen or not, If you don't meet the clearance requirement for your position then you may not be able to join. - (This was my problem) If say you want to join any specialized "team" (such as Army Ranger, Navy SEAL, Coast Guard Diver, Air Force SARs. ) You're required a "Top-Secret" clearance rating which is in place due to the nature of some assignments; Your parent's immigration status, your employment, marital, educational and criminal history are all evaluated. Now if you don't clear backgrounds you may file waivers "IF" your skill set is vital to operational and strategic success of the US Government.

- MAVNI: If the need arrises (War, disaster, ect. ). The assistance of specialized skilled individuals may create a waiver of due cause for specialized non-CITIZENs to join and be allowed to apply for mid-high level clearance type of job.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlis...tizen.-uI6.htm
[-here's a few NAVY jobs that do not require citizenship for their clearance]

3.Physical Limits: Dependent on the job, there may be certain Age, Weight and or Educational requirements.

A solution in (my Opinion.)
[i]A solution in my opinion would be to create an education/military partnership; one that will allow the applicants who looks to pursue a military career to participate in a Delayed Entry Program (DEP) while they attend college (Tuition=AB540+ Scholarship funds+Student resources) during which time the applicant would be instructed and education weekly on military customs, organization and law.

Upon college graduation the applicant should be allowed to apply for a military accession declaration notifying in witting of intend to join and agreeing to terms of service and (individual) background check. Then once granted either an extension or adjustment of status i.e DACA. a canidate should then be allowed to enlist as a Resident Reserve (Enlisted) personnel with a provisional clearance to only attend and train on military bases during which time the candidates would attend their bootcamps, and A- school (Billet assignment and compensation should be based on education and experience rating) where as if No State licensing is required for job then the candidate should receive a minimum of an E-2's pay. Further more if a State License is required and it is obtained and maintained by the candidate as well as valid proof of 1 Yr minimum practice then a pay minimum of an E-4 should be allowed after basic training is completed.

Upon graduation of a (4 year)university the applicant should be permitted to apply to enter at an enlisted E-4 Pay-rate or if eligible as a Warrant Officer with a specialized clearance permission appointed by the federal government.
If the applicant elects to enters as enlisted personnel then he/she must complete minimum requirement before citizenship can be applied for such as;

completion of 2 years of 6 years minimum in active duty
or serve/complete 7 days "boots' on ground"
or in combat situation,
or by earning of a high honor military commendation.

If the applicant elects to enter as a reserve enlisted or as a WO, then they should be required to;

complete 3 years of 8 year minimum reserve commitment
or serve/complete 7 days "boots' on ground"in combat,
or in combat situation,
or by earning of a high honor military commendation.

-Before being allowed to use the military as a clear path to citizenship.

I'm a very big believer that the military is for fighters, not just for people that have no skill or options in life and want to just take advantage of what may seem like free schooling. There should be attainable requirements that ensure the intention of the applicant is to be both a highly productive member of society as well as an invaluable asset to this country's military.

A plan that promotes not just advancements in neutralization and immigration but once again improvement in our overall way of life. My advice to those dreamers thinking of joining the military is to, train your body, train your mind and exercise the skills and education required to learn and excel at the job you want to do. It does not matter the branch... motivation, intelligence, attention to detail are vital to your survival and success.

To conclude one day i wish to be part of an educated, hardworking, entrepreneurial, patriotic, and strong America. An America that supports a DREAM and rewards those who ACT on their dreams by allowing them to prove their intend! Again, this is just my opinion attached with bits of information i've learned in my pursuit to further my personal growth.

P.S. I apologize for any grammatical errors I wrote this a bit fast.