Bill would allow illegals to join military

WASHINGTON, June 16 (UPI) -- Immigration reform being considered in Congress would give some young illegal aliens a chance to become U.S. citizens by serving in the military.

About 750,000 young people might be eligible under the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors or DREAM act, The Boston Globe reports. The bill would allow those who were under 16 when they arrived in the United States, have a high school diploma and meet some other qualifications, to get on track for citizenship as long as they serve at least two years.

Bill Carr, the acting deputy undersecretary of defense in charge of personnel, told the Globe the measure would be "good for readiness."

The Army has had to lower its recruiting standards to meet its goals and the Army and Marines plan to increase their ranks during the next five years.

About 35,000 non-citizens serve in the military under a program that gives legal residents accelerated citizenship.