Misplaced Loyalties
Tuesday, December 11, 2001
The front-page story (Tribune, Nov. 30) concerning a young Lance Cpl. Ajmal Achekzai raising the Stars and Stripes in Afghanistan was heartwarming and a tribute to all foreign-born, naturalized citizens. As I read the story I was touched with what Ajmal's father endured to get his family to America and freedom.
However, the fathers's statement in the last paragraph crystallizes what is wrong with our immigration system. The father's statement concerning his homeland, Afghanistan, was: "That's my first country. The United States is my second country."
What? Are naturalized citizens no longer required to pledge allegiance to America? If push comes to shove, is he American or Afghan?
GREG CHILDS
Kaysville
I personally didn't like his statement. Although I am a citizen of the United States, my first country is Mexico. I am loyal to both countries. I pledge Allegiance to both countries. There is nothing worng with the immigration system. The americans need to realize this.
Tuesday, December 11, 2001
The front-page story (Tribune, Nov. 30) concerning a young Lance Cpl. Ajmal Achekzai raising the Stars and Stripes in Afghanistan was heartwarming and a tribute to all foreign-born, naturalized citizens. As I read the story I was touched with what Ajmal's father endured to get his family to America and freedom.
However, the fathers's statement in the last paragraph crystallizes what is wrong with our immigration system. The father's statement concerning his homeland, Afghanistan, was: "That's my first country. The United States is my second country."
What? Are naturalized citizens no longer required to pledge allegiance to America? If push comes to shove, is he American or Afghan?
GREG CHILDS
Kaysville
I personally didn't like his statement. Although I am a citizen of the United States, my first country is Mexico. I am loyal to both countries. I pledge Allegiance to both countries. There is nothing worng with the immigration system. The americans need to realize this.