US Marine Faces Deportation to New Zealand After 36 Years in America

Ex-US Marine Faces Deportation to New Zealand After Decades of Service

A former US Marine, Paul Canton, is facing deportation to New Zealand despite serving seven years in the military and building a life in Florida. The case highlights a complex intersection of immigration law, military service, and citizenship rights. Canton, born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, believed he was a US citizen after enlisting in the Marines in the early 1990s, but a recent court decision has overturned that assumption, leaving him with the prospect of being removed from the country he considers home.

A Decade-Long Battle for Citizenship

Canton’s struggle began roughly a decade ago when he discovered discrepancies regarding his citizenship status while renewing his driver’s license. He had assumed his honorable discharge from the Marines would automatically pave the way for citizenship, a common expectation at the time of his enlistment. Though, navigating the US immigration system proved to be a protracted and ultimately unsuccessful process. Despite being married to a US citizen (his wife passed away three years ago), and despite his military service, Canton’s appeals were consistently denied. In February, a judge formally rejected his bid to remain in the United States.

Attorney Elizabeth Ricci, who has represented Canton pro-bono for six years, described the case as “complicated.” A key obstacle emerged from Canton having voted in US elections, believing himself to be a citizen. A 1996 rule change stipulated that anyone who voted or registered to vote after that date is ineligible for a waiver to naturalize, effectively barring Canton from obtaining citizenship through conventional means. wftv.com reports on the details of this legal hurdle.

The Complicated Path to Citizenship for Military Personnel

Canton’s case underscores the often-complex path to citizenship for non-citizen military personnel. He enlisted in 1991, shortly after the Persian Gulf conflict concluded. Ricci explained that a rule existed at the time allowing undocumented individuals to gain citizenship through military service *during* active conflict. Given that Canton’s active duty began after the conflict’s end, he was ineligible for this expedited route. This highlights a specific timing issue within the broader framework of military naturalization policies.

The Department of Internal Affairs has confirmed that anyone born in New Zealand before January 1, 2006, is automatically a New Zealand citizen. Canton was born in New Zealand, making him eligible for citizenship there by birthright. However, he asserts he has no meaningful connection to the country, having moved to Australia with his family at a young age and subsequently building his adult life in the United States.

What Happens Next?

Ricci is now pursuing political intervention as a potential avenue for relief. Canton has written letters to both former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden requesting assistance, but has yet to receive a response. The attorney hopes for a special bill to be passed by Congress or for direct action from the President to address Canton’s unique situation.

Without intervention, Canton could be served with a notice to appear at Immigration Court in Orlando, Florida. However, due to a significant backlog of cases, a hearing could be scheduled months or even years in the future. Military.com details the ongoing nature of Canton’s legal battle.

Confirmed vs. Unclear

Confirmed:

• Paul Canton was born in New Zealand.
• He served seven years in the US Marine Corps.
• He has been denied US citizenship.
• He has no current US citizenship status.
• Anyone born in New Zealand before 2006 is automatically a New Zealand citizen.
• Canton has written to both President Biden and former President Trump seeking intervention.

Unclear:

• The exact timeline for potential deportation proceedings remains unclear.
• The likelihood of Congressional or Presidential intervention has not been independently confirmed.
• Details regarding Canton’s financial situation and potential hardship resulting from deportation were not provided.

Background: Military Service and Naturalization

The path to US citizenship for members of the military has evolved over time. Historically, military service was considered a significant factor in demonstrating good moral character and commitment to the United States, often expediting the naturalization process. However, specific eligibility requirements and procedures have varied depending on the era and applicable laws. USCIS provides information on military naturalization, outlining current policies and eligibility criteria.

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) contains provisions addressing military naturalization, allowing for expedited procedures and waivers of certain requirements for those who serve honorably in the armed forces. However, these provisions are subject to interpretation and can be affected by changes in legislation and court rulings. Canton’s case highlights the potential for unforeseen complications and the importance of understanding the nuances of immigration law.

Canton’s Plea: A Life Disrupted

“I experience like I’m fully bonded to it, I mean I love this country,” Canton stated, expressing his deep connection to the United States. “It’s a way of life that is so unique and so beautiful.” He emphasized his lack of ties to New Zealand, stating, “I have no connection to that way of life, I wouldn’t even grasp where to go or what to do.” Canton’s words underscore the personal toll of his potential deportation, highlighting the disruption to his life and the uncertainty surrounding his future.