From Service to Uncertainty: The Struggles of Non-Citizen Veterans in the U.S.

Tue Oct 21 2025 00:36:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Julio Torres, a non-citizen veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, grapples with fears of deportation amid Trump’s immigration policies. His story reflects a larger crisis faced by many veterans who serve but are not granted citizenship.

In the face of increasing deportation threats under President Trump's immigration agenda, Julio Torres, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, fears for his family's future despite his service to the nation. As non-citizen veterans like him navigate a convoluted immigration system, new bipartisan legislative efforts emerge to protect their rights and clarify their status.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Julio Torres proudly displays the American flag and Marine Corps insignia tattooed on his arms, a testament to his service in the U.S. military. Yet, despite having a green card and a record of honorable service, he faces the fear of deportation under current immigration policies that threaten his way of life.

After serving in Iraq, Torres, now 44, struggles with the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder. He has turned his experiences into a mission, now working as a pastor to uplift others facing similar challenges. However, living in East Texas, he feels increasingly like a prisoner in a country he fought to defend.

Under the administration of Donald Trump, heightened immigration enforcement has made many in the community, especially those like Torres, feel unsafe. Torres, who immigrated to the U.S. legally at the age of five, expresses heartache at the thought of being forced to leave the nation he calls home. “It breaks my heart that I fought for this nation to raise my children here,” he reflects, fearing deportation would separate him from his family.

Torres is just one among an estimated 100,000 veterans living in the U.S. who are not citizens. Historically, military service was seen as a pathway to citizenship, but the current immigration policies have intensified the vulnerability of non-citizen veterans.

Concerns have escalated in Congress, leading to a bipartisan proposal aimed at safeguarding veterans from deportation. Led by Rep. Mark Takano and supported by members from both parties, the initiative seeks to identify military veterans in immigration detention and expedite their paths to lawful residency.

Torres’ personal saga exemplifies the harsh reality many face, especially after he was detained upon returning to the U.S. from a family visit to Mexico. Caught up in the complexities of immigration law due to a past drug conviction, he wrestles with anger and fear, further exacerbated by his PTSD symptoms.

As deportations of veterans continue, advocates and organizations are raising awareness and offering support. Torres emphasizes the need for America to recognize the contributions of noncitizen service members, countering the harmful narratives of them as threats to safety.

“I love my nation,” Torres asserts, explaining his enduring connection to the United States, despite its current ambivalence towards him. As the political climate regarding immigration fluctuates, he hopes lawmakers will prioritize the well-being of veterans over partisan divides.