Vet, facing deportation, says Army let him down

[unhappycamper]

Vet, facing deportation, says Army let him down
By Gerald Ensley - Tallahassee (Fla.) Democrat
Posted : Sunday Jun 27, 2010 8:24:01 EDT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Axel Runtschke is blond and blue-eyed. He hunts and fishes. He listens to country music and watches NASCAR. He spent three years in the Army, is married and has three kids.

He’s a regular American guy. Except that he’s an illegal immigrant.

And though he has been in the United States for 20 years after moving here from his native Germany as a child, he has been unable to gain legal residency status — even though he said the Army promised him they would take care of it when he enlisted in 1997.

So he is unable to get a job, is running out of money and his home is being foreclosed. The stress is overwhelming.

“I don’t sleep, it’s a constant headache. I’m at my wit’s end,” said Runtschke, 32. “I made a commitment to this country and I fulfilled it honorably. I just want them to recognize this.”

[Scuba]

1. It would seem that years of honorable military service...

...if not tarnished by other actions, would qualify one for citizenship.

[Xipe Totec]

2. That sucks

The fact of the matter is that obtaining resident status, legally, is a bureaucratic nightmare.

The purpose of the process is to deny residency requests by whatever means.

[The Northerner]

3. I wish the best for of luck for him

He certainly deserves his citizenship for his service and contributions to this country.

[Soylent Brice]

4. that's fucked up.

good luck to him and his family.

[w8liftinglady]

5. Give me a freaking break-the guy did his time,and then was screwed

how typical.

[Swamp Rat]

6. We the People would never do this to one of our own...

So, who really controls the USA?