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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY September 2, 2003 AMERICAN HERO NATURALIZED Washington, DC – Eduardo Aguirre, the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), personally administered the Oath of Allegiance to wounded U.S. Army Sergeant Wasim Khan this afternoon. A native of Pakistan, Sergeant Khan became a United States Citizen during a private ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Khan was wounded while serving in Baghdad on June 1, 2003. His squad was providing security for a large crowded market in the Iraqi capital when they came under sniper fire. Though wounded, Sergeant Khan pulled himself from his vehicle and continued commanding his troops in the search for the sniper while protecting the Iraqi civilians in the area. “As a naturalized citizen myself, there’s no greater honor for me than to welcome a true American hero as our newest citizen,” said Director Aguirre. “It’s gratifying to see that the President’s Executive Order is allowing us to speed the process through which our sons and daughters in uniform can become United States Citizens.” In July, President Bush signed an Executive Order granting expedited naturalization for military personnel. Under this Order (E.O. 13269), legal permanent residents actively serving in the United States military during times of hostilities are immediately eligible to apply for naturalization. Since July, more than 7,500 military personnel serving in the War on Terrorism have requested expedited citizenship. -USCIS- |
Last Modified 09/03/2003