U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, introduced a resolution in support of allowing so-called “Dreamers,” or undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as children, to be able to serve in the military.
Foster argued that allowing undocumented immigrants to serve would improve readiness and let young
people who grew up in the U.S. serve the country, according to a news release.
“For many of these young people, the United States is the only home they have ever known,” Foster said. “Dreamers deserve the right to serve in the military.”
Foster has voiced his support for undocumented immigrants and has spoken with many who live in his district throughout Joliet, Bolingbrook and Aurora.
Last month, he said he was “proud” to vote for a clean DREAM Act, which stands for Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors, to allow for legal status for “Dreamers.”
Last year, he hosted a Joliet Junior College student who was a beneficiary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program at the State of the Union Address.
“Too often our politicians demean these young people who have so much to offer our country,” Foster said.
Foster called on the secretary of defense to review the policy to allow Dreamers to serve.
“Allowing our Dreamers to enlist in the military would make sure
our armed forces have some of the best and brightest young minds in their ranks,” Foster said. “Every American deserves the right to serve their country through military service.”
