Former U.S. Marine and Iraq war veteran Daniel Torres returned to the United Sates last week, 5 years after he was forced to leave the country due to being “undocumented”. Torres’ family originally came to the U.S. on a visa to visit, but once it expired his family stayed illegally. In 2007, Torres was living in Utah and used fake documents to enlist in the Marine Corps. Torres went on to serve proudly in the Iraq War, and finally after a long ordeal he was granted US Citizenship last week.
Torres tried to get legal status in the US after being honorably discharged from the Marines, but was unable to do so and it became apparent he would have to leave the country, according to a report from FOX news. “When I enlisted as an American citizen I knew the risks. You know it was something that could come up, it was something that could come back, and hurt me. I was just hoping that I wasn’t going to pay for that mistake for the rest of my life,” said Torres. Mr. Torres lived in Tijuana, Mexico and began attending law school. Last week Mr. Torres was granted permission to cross the border Wednesday afternoon in order to attend a court hearing in federal court. A federal judge gave Mr. Torres the good news when he decided Thursday that he would be granted U.S. Citizenship, and a few hours later at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in downtown San Diego he was sworn in.
According to the ACLU, there are thousands of deported veterans who are in similar predicaments, and they are struggling to come home. Mr. Torres hopes his case will offer hope and help others in situations like his. If you or someone you know honorably served in the US armed forces and lack legal status, contact our office so we can help you remain or return to the US. We have enjoyed helping many military families and offer a meaningful military discount to current members and veterans.
