House Republicans are in the midst of a civil war on the issue of allowing illegal immigrants to serve in the military.
Leading one side is Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.), who represents a swing district near Denver and is a prospective 2016 Senate candidate. On the other side of the ideological spectrum is conservative Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.).
According to The Hill, Brooks and at least 25 other Republicans are in favor of removing language from a defense bill that they believe would encourage the Pentagon to consider allowing illegal immigrants with DACA work permits to serve in the armed forces.
In a four-page letter penned by Brooks, he articulates his biggest issues with allowing illegal immigrants to serve.
He wrote that American citizens are struggling with competition from foreign labor; American military service positions are undergoing heavy layoffs; all available labor positions should go to Americans and legal immigrants; and Congress’ number one priority should be American citizens over illegal immigrants.
“The amendment encourages the secretary of defense to find ways to enlist illegal immigrants granted amnesty under the president’s illegal and unconstitutional Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals into the armed service,” Rep. Steve King, also an anti-immigration hardliner, piled on in a press release. “This policy would provide a fast track to citizenship for those accepted into a program Congress has voted to defund three times.”
Coffman and his allies were unwavering in trying to kill the amendment.
“I’m here today to ask my esteemed colleagues to stand with me in declaring: Let our DREAMers serve,” Coffman said on the House floor Thursday.
“…The ability to serve benefits us all. It provides an expanded pool of willing and capable applicants, helping to uphold and even increase the rigorous standards to enlist in our military.”
