Florida veteran Paul Canton, a former U.S. Marine, has been fighting for five years to become a legal American citizen. He was recruited with the promise of citizenship after an honorable discharge, but was shocked to discover he wasn’t here legally. Despite his service and honorable discharge, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services rejected his application, citing technicalities related to the timing of his recruitment during the Persian Gulf War.
Canton’s case is currently in federal court, with little progress made so far. Congresswoman Kathy Castor expressed outrage at his situation, but no concrete solutions have been offered. Canton hopes that President-elect Donald Trump’s administration will bring fresh eyes to his case and finally grant him the citizenship he believes he has earned.
Despite concerns about Trump’s immigration policies, Canton remains hopeful that his status as a war veteran will protect him from deportation. He is determined to stay with his family in the U.S., as he has no other home to go to. Republican U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis is set to discuss Canton’s citizenship battle and potentially offer a path to citizenship for the deserving veteran.
Through ongoing legal battles and outreach to political figures, including President Biden, Canton continues to press for recognition of his service and the fulfillment of the promise of citizenship that led him to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. His story reflects the challenges faced by many veterans seeking citizenship and the need for a more streamlined and compassionate immigration process for those who have served their country.
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