Did you know that the first causualty of the Iraq War was an illegal?

Question

http://www.militarycity.com/valor/256506.html
Here's a bit for those of you who don't like to read:
One of the first U.S. servicemen killed in combat in Iraq was not a citizen of the country for which he sacrificed his life.

Lance Cpl. Jose Gutierrez, 22, a rifleman with the Marines, died in a firefight March 21 near Umm Qasr.

Born in Guatemala, Gutierrez held permanent U.S. resident status, which he obtained in 1999.

At 14, with his parents dead, Gutierrez followed the path of 700,000 of his countrymen to California. He made the 2,000-mile journey from his Guatemala City neighborhood without entry papers. He hopped 14 freight trains to get through Mexico. U.S. immigration authorities detained him.

Fernando Castillo, Guatemala’s consul general in Los Angeles, says the United States doesn’t deport Guatemalan minors who arrive without family. Gutierrez was made a ward of Los Angeles Juvenile Court. He was placed in a series of group homes and foster families. He learned learned English and finished high school.

When he reached 18, he got residency documents, Castillo said.

Some of you ppl are truly idiots.He entered this country illegally.He only recieved his residency so that they could recruit him,like all of the illegals that enter into our armed services.How many of you said,"God bless him,he died for this country."Friggin morons.And go ahead morons report me.I'll be back.

Answer 1

Thats sad. He really improved his life,in the short time he was alive.It just goes to show that not all illegal immigrants are bad people,and given the chance,can become model U.S citizens.Look at that poor guy,he risked his life to come here,then gave it up for the United States. Everybody will probably focus on the part that he was legal so he was a good person.But he was illegal at one time,just like so many now. Those same illegals now could be the next U.S hero,if given the chance.Some won't see it that way,though.......

Answer 2

Well, apparently he joined the ARmy. I do not understand what you are trying to bring out with this. ...that he was an immigrant? So were my brothers and they too were in the service. More power to them because they come to America and want to defend it. This info you are giving us is pretty impresive and part of history.....I am very proud of those who have given their lives. I pray for those who are there. So, with that note, HE WAS NOT AN ILLEGAL !!!!!!

In case you don't know, this guy must not have been an "illegal" because in order to join the military you MUST be a legal resident (bearing a "green card") which I am sure he had since the Courts had taken him in. You can serve this country if you are a "legal resident", and then while in the military you can be made a citizen if you so wish. But had this man been an "illigal" he would not have been able to serve his country.

Answer 3

First let me say, as a veteran, I admire his courage...

But PANCHA, I think you are mistaken here in a couple of points:

-HE WAS NOT HERE ILLEGALLY-
If there are laws in place which allow immigrant minors who arrive in the U.S. without families to stay as legally guarded wards then, regardless of HOW they got here, they are here legally; once Guitierrez became a ward of the court, he was a documented, LEGAL, alien.

-MILITARY SERVICE FACILITATES CITIZENSHIP-
This is the reason that there are many legal immigrants serving this country now. In fact, I'd lay odds that Lance Cpl. Jose Gutierrez's service to this country had a lot to do with being on track to becoming a citizen of this country.
Were it up to me, I would give him posthumous citizenship for his ultimate sacrifice in defense of this country.

I hope that, by asking this question, you were not comparing this exceptional young man, who gave his life in defending this country, to a horde of illegal immigrants who shun the very idea of becoming U.S. citizens...

...Because if you were then, my dear PANCHA, you should be ashamed of yourself...

I submit this, as always, with respect for your right to opine.

p.s. I would never report you...;-)
In fact, I have only reported one person since I've been a Y!Aer, and that was only to take a symbolic stand against Y!A's apparent rigging of some of their "Celebrity Questions":

I reported Bono...:-))

Answer 4

You know it is sad that some people would worry about his citizenship when the fact is that it does not matter anymore, he is dead. He died doing what me and my brothers (Soldiers in the Army) have been doing for hundreds of years defending your freedom, so how about not exploiting it and showing a little respect. Did you ever think that he served because he was happy to be in America, and that he wanted to show his thanks for letting him be part of this great nation, and it is that you should be talking about and not that he was only a resident. Do us all a favor, get a life.

Answer 5

PANCHA I feel such pitty for you. I don't know where your injury came from but you've obviously lost something along your way. I took my time to form an opinion of you and now I know for sure your brain is just really screwed up. We're not stupid girl......read the very last line of this article....... now, go look in the water youngster....ponder there a moment....pull your foolish, deceived little self up by the boot straps, stick your chin out and get your butt on the right side of the fence. We'll all forgive you and welcome you home.

Answer 6

I didn't know that.

It is my belief that if an illegal wants to join the armed forces to defend this country, and he qualifies, he should IMEADIATLY be given full citizenship.

Not given false promises by an administration that is corrupt with men that have never gone to war, nor even been in the service.

Answer 7

He had applied for residency--it means he did the paperwork.

The American flag was shown flying not another countries

Once you are put in a state home-you become part of the system-they do the paperwork. Law.

Answer 8

each physique knew it became unlawful whilst Blair twisted it and Conservatives supported the conflict at that component. This became the view of Lib-Dems for all the time. Lord Goldsmith admitted it became no longer criminal at that component yet he became silenced Few real politicians like Robin cook dinner, Clair short and Galloway attempt to protest yet all persons, British fools listened to Blair. yet reality might desire to be triumphant.

Answer 9

Ok, this is not even cool..you have just posted a HUMAN life that died..you have posted before Pancha about Illegals being human blah--blah--and now you have just crossed the line..........with some of your post that you have and information why don't you just create a blog..somethings are left to rest...shame

Answer 10

Hey
all your questions deal with criminals who break the law and you try to spin it so that they are the good guys .and YOU LIE
and aliens can enlist in the US military but Not Illegals they would be caught and deported before boot camp so tell it to someone who wasn't in the military