Gurkha's settlement rights

[von Krieg]

I've always wondered about the "justice" of how those not of the group are treated by those they support that are of the group... Even when they cover themselves with distinction and support the group with a dedication and loyalty which few can match... Does that not earn them some consideration?

Gurkhas were a loyal member of the Empire, but not worthy of any special treatment by the Crown... Too often, those that are worthy are bybassed for political expediency...

I look at US History and the Indian Scouts that supported the US Army, but were treated the same as the hostiles by most... One group I always thought that received a raw deal were the Apache Scouts... Helpful in subduing their kinsmen, but in the end it reaped them no benefit... except to be put on the same rail car as their foes to destinations such as Florida and Oklahoma...

Today, an immigrant to the US can become a citizen in 5 years.... but if they served in the Armed Forces... they can cut that time down considerably... I serve with one individual from Nigeria that became a US Citizen while in Iraq this year... I met him while on Staff Duty... He was my runner... While on 24 hour duty, I had a great conversation with him and learned his story...

I am currently helping an Iraqi with his paperwork to emigrate to the US... and he plans to enlist... and eventually become an American...

One of our other Iraqis recently emigrated... and has more than earned his opportunity to become a US Citizen IMHO... For many years he supported the US Army in Iraq... then in 2005, he was almost decapitated by an IED while on patrol... the scar is quite visible...

Those Iraqis I've come into contact with fasinate me with their strength of character and their dedication... A few months ago, I was talking to an American of Iraqi origin... We were discussing the first Gulf War... and he chimed in that he had served... then added in Saddam's Army... captured by US forces... he eventually moved to Europe, then the US to become a US Citizen...

I meet some interesting characters with unusual stories... When I slow down to listen (it is difficult to do when you are as busy as I've been, but it is really worth the effort), I'm amazed at some of the stories of the people around me...

Well, enough of my rambling...

Jim vK