When a U.S. Army veteran walked into his scheduled naturalization interview in Washington state last month, he expected to take the final step toward U.S. citizenship. Instead, he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and placed in federal custody.
The veteran, a native of Pakistan who has lived in the United States for more than two decades, now faces deportation proceedings after Homeland Security officials accused him of concealing a decades-old criminal record. His wife disputes the allegation and says he is being targeted despite his service in the U.S. military.
This arrest comes amid an aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration under the Trump administration, which has ramped up enforcement efforts across the country. Legal experts warn that detaining long-term residents during the naturalization process adds new uncertainty to the path toward citizenship.
The case has sparked discussion among immigration advocates and veterans groups, who argue that those who have served the country deserve fair treatment and due process. As the legal battle unfolds, observers say it highlights broader questions about the balance between national security and individual rights.
For many immigrants and military families, the story is a reminder of the high stakes involved in pursuing U.S. citizenship and the challenges of a changing immigration landscape.
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ICE detains a U.S. Army veteran during citizenship interview
cgtn.com
