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Armed sevices members sworn in as U.S. citizens

One hundred eleven members of the armed services took the oath of citizenship atop the Midway aircraft carrier in San Diego Friday. The active duty service members hailed from 48 countries. Though the

One hundred eleven members of the armed services took the oath of citizenship atop the Midway aircraft carrier in San Diego Friday. The active duty service members hailed from 48 countries. Though the majority were Filipino and Mexican. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has more.

Esau Cuevas came from Mexico to the United States with his family illegally 15 years ago. Cuevas became a legal resident and attended Mission Bay High School. That's where he met military recruiters.

Cuevas: "Once the recruiter talked me into it, I was like, you know what, this is probably for me. I'll join in."

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Isackson: "What did the recruiter tell you?"

Cuevas: "Basically, told me about different things the Navy has to offer for you. How you can go see the world and basically make a difference in someone's life. "

Cuevas says citizenship is an added bonus.
However, many have been critical of military recruiters targeting Latino high school students with promises of citizenship money for school.

Mexicans account for the largest group of immigrants killed while fighting for the U.S. in Iraq. Amy Isackson, KPBS news.

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