Immigrant PhD candidate rocked by sudden US Army discharge

[GMDino]

https://www.ctpost.com/news/texas/article/AP-NewsBreak-US-Army-quietly-discharging-13053140.php

Quote: Growing up in eastern China, Panshu Zhao fell in love with America. He read the Bible his parents gave him, watched Hollywood movies and studied the ideals of democracy. He jumped at the chance to attend graduate school at Texas A&M University.


In 2016, Zhao enlisted in the U.S. Army as part of a special recruitment program offering immigrants in the country legally a path to citizenship.

The future, he said, was bright.

Now, he is one of the dozens of immigrant recruits and reservists struggling with abrupt, often unexplained military discharges and canceled contracts. They traded being willing to risk their lives for the prospect of U.S. citizenship, a timeworn exchange that's drawn linguists, medical specialists and thousands of other immigrants to the military since the Revolutionary War.


"It's just like you're dropped from heaven to hell," Zhao told The Associated Press on Friday.

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Photo: AP





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This photo provided by Panshu Zhao shows Zhao in uniform on Feb. 11, 2018 at a U.S. Army Reserve installation in Houston. Zhao is one of dozens, if not more, devastated immigrant military recruits and ... more

It is unclear how many men and women who enlisted through the special recruitment program have been ousted from the Army, but immigration attorneys told the AP that they know of more than 40 recruits who recently have been discharged or whose status has become questionable.

Some recruits say they were given no reason for their discharge. Others said the Army informed them they'd been labeled as security risks because they have relatives abroad or because the Defense Department had not completed background checks on them.

The Pentagon said Friday that there has been no policy change since last year, when Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said no one could enter basic training without completion of a background investigation.



And Army spokeswoman Cynthia O. Smith said that any enlistee entering the military undergoes security screenings.

"Each recruit undergoes an individualized suitability review and the length of time for the review is dependent upon each individual's unique background," Smith said.

Zhao, 31, said his "ship out" date to basic training was delayed for two years as he underwent background checks, counterintelligence interviews and rigorous reviews added as requirements for immigrant enlistees.

He continued to pursue his PhD in geography at Texas A&M but also hit the gym, prepping for boot camp. And he trained — in uniform — with his unit. He had military identification and health care, he said.

In April, Zhao visited Washington, D.C., for the first time, touring the White House and visiting the Republican National Committee.

That same month, he got word from his unit commander: He was being discharged. He was told simply that his discharge was "uncharacterized," he said.

"I'm not a national threat," Zhao said. "On the contrast, I'm a national merit because people like me with higher education and critical skills, we want to serve this great U.S. Army. I'm a good scientist no matter what."

The Pentagon announced last October that in order to apply for citizenship, immigrant recruits were required to have gone through basic training and served honorably for either 180 days or a year, depending on their Army classification. But that requirement has been challenged in court.

Some discharged service members whose basic training was delayed cannot start the naturalization process. Others who started the process have had their applications put on hold.

Immigration attorneys told the AP that many immigrants let go in recent weeks received an "uncharacterized discharge," which is neither dishonorable nor honorable.

A Brazilian reservist, Lucas Calixto, filed a lawsuit in Washington, D.C., last week contending that he was booted without the Defense Department giving him a chance to defend himself or appeal.

President George W. Bush ordered "expedited naturalization" for immigrant soldiers in 2002 in an effort to swell military ranks. Seven years later, the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest program, known as MAVNI, became an official recruiting program.

The program came under fire from conservatives when President Barack Obama added DACA recipients — young immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally — to the list of eligible enlistees. In response, the military layered on additional security clearances for recruits to pass before heading to boot camp.

Donald Trump's administration added even more hurdles, creating a backlog within the Defense Department. Last fall, hundreds of recruits still in the enlistment process had their contracts canceled. A few months later, the military suspended MAVNI.

Republican Congressman Andy Harris of Maryland, who has supported legislation to limit the program, told the AP that MAVNI was established by executive order and never properly authorized by Congress.

"Our military must prioritize enlisting American citizens, and restore the MAVNI program to its specialized, limited scope," he said.

According to Air Force Maj. Carla Gleason, a Pentagon spokeswoman, the "overwhelming majority" of MAVNI candidates are from Asia and Africa because those are the critical language skills needed in the military.

As of April, 1,100 immigrant recruits were awaiting basic training while undergoing security reviews, the Pentagon said.
Eligible recruits are required to have legal status in the U.S., such as a student visa, before enlisting. More than 5,000 immigrants were recruited into the program in 2016, and an estimated 10,000 are currently serving. Most go the Army, but some also go to the other military branches.

Zhao is now rethinking his future, but said he wishes he had a chance to appeal.

"I need justice," he said. "This is America. This is not China. This is not the Middle East. This is not a dictatorship. And that's why I love America."

It's amazing that a "man" like Trump, afraid to serve his country can cause/allow such a thing to happen to people who volunteer.

He's an embarrassment.

[RICHMONDBENGAL_07]

(07-06-2018, 11:21 PM)GMDino Wrote: https://www.ctpost.com/news/texas/article/AP-NewsBreak-US-Army-quietly-discharging-13053140.php



It's amazing that a "man" like Trump, afraid to serve his country can cause/allow such a thing to happen to people who volunteer.

He's an embarrassment.

This is what's so frustrating about the anti-immigration crowed.  Even  when immigrants try to do things the "right" way, they keep moving the goal posts on them. Real cool, real cool...

[*michaelsean*]

Well there's another head scratcher. Maybe Trump will fix it and claim he's been on it the whole time. Just so long as people like this guy can get back to doing what they were doing.

[Benton]

(07-07-2018, 01:26 AM)RICHMONDBENGAL_07 Wrote: This is what's so frustrating about the anti-immigration crowed.  Even  when immigrants try to do things the "right" way, they keep moving the goal posts on them. Real cool, real cool...

Right now I think we're still a decade behind on processing visas unless you have priority. So if you filed around 2008, you should know in the next couple years if you can. If there was a problem with your paperwork, see you around 2030.

Unless you've got enough money to hire a really good immigration lawyer. Then you might get to bump up to the same decade.

[GMDino]

(07-09-2018, 10:33 AM)Benton Wrote: Right now I think we're still a decade behind on processing visas unless you have priority. So if you filed around 2008, you should know in the next couple years if you can. If there was a problem with your paperwork, see you around 2030.

Unless you've got enough money to hire a really good immigration lawyer. Then you might get to bump up to the same decade.

Don't tell Trump that speeding up the process will help.  Just end the process and kick 'em all out.

Congress must pass smart, fast and reasonable Immigration Laws now. Law Enforcement at the Border is doing a great job, but the laws they are forced to work with are insane. When people, with or without children, enter our Country, they must be told to leave without our........

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2018

.....Country being forced to endure a long and costly trial. Tell the people “OUT,” and they must leave, just as they would if they were standing on your front lawn. Hiring thousands of “judges” does not work and is not acceptable - only Country in the World that does this!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2018

[*bfine32*]

I'm not sure we should accept an article as fact without knowing the other side. I can assure you these decisions are not made arbitrarily.

[Benton]

(07-09-2018, 12:52 PM)bfine32 Wrote: I'm not sure we should accept an article as fact without knowing the other side. I can assure you these decisions are not made arbitrarily.

Quote:President George W. Bush ordered "expedited naturalization" for immigrant soldiers in 2002 in an effort to swell military ranks. Seven years later, the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest program, known as MAVNI, became an official recruiting program.


The program came under fire from conservatives when President Barack Obama added DACA recipients — young immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally — to the list of eligible enlistees. In response, the military layered on additional security clearances for recruits to pass before heading to boot camp.

Sounds like it was the GOP piling on bureaucracy as political points. 

[GMDino]

(07-09-2018, 12:52 PM)bfine32 Wrote: I'm not sure we should accept an article as fact without knowing the other side. I can assure you these decisions are not made arbitrarily.

There are more articles.

https://www.npr.org/2018/07/06/626664146/u-s-army-discharges-immigrant-soldiers-seeking-citizenship

The National Review ran cover for Trump (just like those who defend EVERYTHING about him do):

https://www.nationalreview.com/2018/07/immigrant-military-recruit-discharges-blame-bureacratic-incompetence/

Basically saying it ran smoothly, but there were some bumps in the road.  So Trump's admin is cleaning it up.  

Clearly NOTHING to do with Trump's stance on "them".

[*bfine32*]

(07-09-2018, 01:17 PM)Benton Wrote: Sounds like it was the GOP piling on bureaucracy as political points. 

It can sound like whatever you want hear.

I'm not saying the kid in the article is not deserving of enlistment, just addressing the overall MAVNI process.

The footwear on his left foot might lead me to believe there are other reasons he did not qualify; of course that's just a guess.

[*michaelsean*]

(07-09-2018, 01:22 PM)GMDino Wrote: There are more articles.

https://www.npr.org/2018/07/06/626664146/u-s-army-discharges-immigrant-soldiers-seeking-citizenship

The National Review ran cover for Trump (just like those who defend EVERYTHING about him do):

https://www.nationalreview.com/2018/07/immigrant-military-recruit-discharges-blame-bureacratic-incompetence/

Basically saying it ran smoothly, but there were some bumps in the road.  So Trump's admin is cleaning it up.  

Clearly NOTHING to do with Trump's stance on "them".

How did you determine that the National Review was merely running cover?

[GMDino]

(07-09-2018, 01:28 PM)michaelsean Wrote: How did you determine that the National Review was merely running cover?

It's wording.

They start by accusing the AP of having bias...but cite a twitter account unrelated.

The program was "Running smoothly" according to their article...but....

[GMDino]

(07-09-2018, 01:27 PM)bfine32 Wrote: It can sound like whatever you want hear.

I'm not saying the kid in the article is not deserving of enlistment, just addressing the overall MAVNI process.

The footwear on his left foot might lead me to believe there are other reasons he did not qualify; of course that's just a guess.

1) Then say that.  Really no need for secrecy is there?

2) Does every person with an injury get kicked out?

[*michaelsean*]

(07-09-2018, 01:55 PM)GMDino Wrote: It's wording.

They start by accusing the AP of having bias...but cite a twitter account unrelated.

The program was "Running smoothly" according to their article...but....

So was there nothing to the defense dept making the background checks more vigorous in 2016 thereby backing everything up and creating a limbo for those still waiting when the program was ended?

[GMDino]

(07-09-2018, 02:01 PM)michaelsean Wrote: So was there nothing to the defense dept making the background checks more vigorous in 2016 thereby backing everything up and creating a limbo for those still waiting when the  program was ended?

"limbo" doesn't mean you kick them out with little to no explanation.

But then I treat everything the Trump administration does with an inclusion of what they say and do elsewhere too.

Maybe I'm wrong and it's just another coincidence.

[*michaelsean*]

(07-09-2018, 02:04 PM)GMDino Wrote: "limbo" doesn't mean you kick them out with little to no explanation.

But then I treat everything the Trump administration does with an inclusion of what they say and do elsewhere too.

Maybe I'm wrong and it's just another coincidence.

What's happening to them seems wrong no matter why and should be fixed.  I just don't have a vested interest in who is responsible.  

[Dill]

(07-09-2018, 02:04 PM)GMDino Wrote: "limbo" doesn't mean you kick them out with little to no explanation.

But then I treat everything the Trump administration does with an inclusion of what they say and do elsewhere too.

Maybe I'm wrong and it's just another coincidence.

LOL instead of the "chaos" presidency, this is the "coincidence" presidency.

Policies LOOK like they express needless xenophobia, but they just don't. Try and PROVE it.

[*bfine32*]

I am amazed at the experts we have on the MAVNI program in the forum. I may PM a couple for advice. Folks can believe it or not, but none of this is because....TRUMP!!

[GMDino]

(07-09-2018, 02:26 PM)bfine32 Wrote: I am amazed at the experts we have on the MAVNI program in the forum. I may PM a couple for advice. Folks can believe it or not, but none of this is because....TRUMP!!

Not an expert.  Discussing the recent events.

I know that sets of the TDS (Trump Delusional Syndrome) in people requiring them to jump to his defense while accusing others of jumping to conclusions...but, again, maybe it's just another coincidence in Trump's handling of immigrants.

WTS, enlighten us with your knowledge.  I'm always happy to learn...especially if I am wrong.

Or just keep it partisan.  Either way.

[*bfine32*]

(07-09-2018, 02:36 PM)GMDino Wrote: Not an expert.  Discussing the recent events.

I know that sets of the TDS (Trump Delusional Syndrome) in people requiring them to jump to his defense while accusing others of jumping to conclusions...but, again, maybe it's just another coincidence in Trump's handling of immigrants.

WTS, enlighten us with your knowledge.  I'm always happy to learn...especially if I am wrong.

Or just keep it partisan.  Either way.

No doubt I'm the one keeping it partisan; as in the OP you blamed Trump, and have doubled down on this assertion a couple times. I have simply said these new vetting procedures are not steeped in political bias; therefore, it's not Trump's fault.

I've enlightened you all I care to on the matter. Just understand it's one of those situations where the people in the articles and those reading them may be jumping to false conclusions/ assumptions.

[GMDino]

(07-09-2018, 02:26 PM)bfine32 Wrote: I am amazed at the experts we have on the MAVNI program in the forum. I may PM a couple for advice. Folks can believe it or not, but none of this is because....TRUMP!!

(07-09-2018, 03:38 PM)bfine32 Wrote: No doubt I'm the one keeping it partisan; as in the OP you blamed Trump, and have doubled down on this assertion a couple times. I have simply said these new vetting procedures are not steeped in political bias; therefore, it's not Trump's fault.

I've enlightened you all I care to on the matter. Just understand it's one of those situations where the people in the articles and those reading them may be jumping to false conclusions/ assumptions.

Gee....thanks. 

As to partisanship I am admittedly (I've said it multiple time" anti-Trump).  And until he does something that shows he's changed his spots he gets no benefit of the doubt.

I am openly partisan about that "man". Others claim to be more open minded.

Maybe I expect too much from others who claim to not want it to be that way, but that's the way it is while he is the way HE is.