Cisneros, Carbajal Reintroduce Bill Allowing DACA Recipients to Join the Military

WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Representatives Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31) and Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) reintroduced the Fight for the American Dream Act, legislation that allows participants of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program to serve in the United States military and provides them a pathway toward U.S. citizenship after their service.

“I championed this legislation as the Under Secretary of Defense and I will continue to be a champion for it as a member of Congress,” said Rep. Cisneros. “Our military is made up of people from all backgrounds, united by the desire to protect and serve our nation. DACA recipients, who call this country home, want to contribute and make our country better. One of the best ways they can do that is by joining the United States Armed Forces.”

“I’m a proud immigrant and a proud U.S. Marine. Serving in our armed forces as a naturalized American was an honor, but DACA recipients don’t have that option,” said Rep. Carbajal. “That’s why I’m proud to partner with my colleague, Congressman Cisneros, on this commonsense bill to provide a clear, stable pathway toward citizenship for DACA recipients who want to serve the country they already call home.”

Currently, DACA recipients are barred from joining the U.S. military. The Fight for the American Dream Act would reverse that restriction. Under this Act, Dreamers who are honorably discharged after their service would be given a pathway to grant them U.S. citizenship.

To read the full bill text, click here.

Rep. Cisneros is a Navy Veteran and the former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. He currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Military Personnel, Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, and Appropriations Defense Subcommittee. Rep. Cisneros is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and serves on its leadership team as the Freshman Representative.

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