Foreign-born vets get the surprise of a lifetime

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Ricci  Vietnam Vet Erhard Wensel with immigration attorney Elizabeth Ricci, who helped naturalize Wensel in Philadelphia in April.  The 73-year-old found out he wasn’t a citizen when he filed for Social Security benefits. 

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Ricci
Vietnam Vet Erhard Wensel with immigration attorney Elizabeth Ricci, who helped naturalize Wensel in Philadelphia in April.  The 73-year-old found out he wasn’t a citizen when he filed for Social Security benefits. 

For Veteran Voice
There are over 640,000 foreign-born veterans alive today. Florida and California are home to the most foreign-born veterans, many of whom get the surprise of a lifetime when they attempt to collect Social Security, renew a driver license of apply for a U.S. passport and are told they are not citizens of the country they served. We talk to immigration attorney Elizabeth Ricci, who has represented several foreign-born vets to learn more.
Q: Does military service grant foreign-born service members citizenship?
A: Contrary to what many believe, service in the military does not confer citizenship. An applicant must affirmatively apply for citizenship and take a citizenship oath which is similar to, but not the same as, the military oath.

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