MARK HARRISON / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Escalante is a "no card" soldier — an illegal immigrant in the armed services — who has served during Operation Enduring Freedom. The soldier, who illegally entered the country from Mexico as a child, bought a fake "green card" to enlist upon his high-school graduation. Last spring, he was deployed to Kuwait and Iraq.

He initially faced expulsion from the Army, but military officials have since vouched for the soldier as part of a naturalization application.

"They told me once I get my citizenship, they'll redo my (Army) contract," said Escalante, who has applied for expedited naturalization through a process designed for noncitizen soldiers who have served honorably during the war.

Citizenship could then play a larger role for his family, which is fighting deportation. Their case is pending before an immigration review board.

"I think everything will be fine," said the soldier from Fort Stewart, Ga., where he is part of the 1st Brigade of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division.

— Florangela Davila