Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 8, 1994 TAG: 9404080113
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES LENGTH: Short
Sgt. Danny Lightfoot, who is stationed in Barstow, Calif., is a native of the Bahamas. He entered the country on a student visa but stayed after it expired. He enlisted in 1983, using fake documents he said were supplied by a recruiter.
The Marines discovered he was an illegal immigrant in 1991, but he wasn't prosecuted because of his outstanding record, said Carl Shusterman, Lightfoot's attorney. Lightfoot's recruiter wasn't charged because the statute of limitations had run out, Shusterman said.
The military told immigration officials about Lightfoot, but they did nothing, he said. Lightfoot, 29, surrendered to the Immigration and Naturalization Service on Tuesday, saying he wanted to become a citizen. He was freed until authorities decide whether to grant him citizenship or deport him.
"I couldn't go on like this," Lightfoot said. "I guess my back just got up against the wall. I did it for myself and my family."
One of his three children is a U.S. citizen, but the two born outside the country are not. His wife is a Bahamian citizen and is seeking legal residency in the United States.
Los Angeles INS Deputy Director Donald B. Looney said it was "very unlikely" Lightfoot would be deported, and that his office would recommend that Lightfoot and his family be allowed to stay.
Lightfoot holds a Navy achievement medal, three good conduct medals, two certificates of commendation, seven letters of appreciation and a meritorious unit commendation.
by CNB