Startling Discovery: 95-Year-Old WWII Vet Learns He’s Not a U.S. Citizen
- Posted on March 25, 2011 at 10:30pm by
Meredith Jessup
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After spending his entire lifetime — nearly a century! — assuming he was an American, one World War II veteran recently got the surprise of his life when he went to apply for an enhanced driver’s license and was turned down. It turns out 95-year-old Leeland Davidson is actually Canadian.
In 1916, Davidson was born in British Columbia to two American parents. But when his parents returned with him to America, they never had their son declared a U.S. citizen. Although U.S. citizenship is not necessary for military service, Davidson thought his citizenship issues were resolved when he enlisted in the Navy in 1940.
But 70 years later, the 95-year-old military veteran was denied a license he was trying to get to visit family across the border in Canada. Up until about four years ago, before citizenship requirements for traveling in and out of the United States were restricted, Davidson traveled in and out of Canada at least once a year.
“I always thought I was an American citizen,” Davidson told KOMO News. “We went up to get an enhanced driver’s license and they turned me down.”
“We always figured because he was born to U.S. parents he’s automatically a U.S. citizen,” Davidson’s daughter, Rose Schoolcroft, said. Leeland’s family is concerned about his need for naturalization and the threat of deportation. “If he pursued it, (he could) possibly be deported or at risk of losing Social Security, so it kind of scared everybody.”
“We keep telling him, leave it alone, leave it alone, and he won’t, like a dog with a bone,” Schoolcraft told the Centralia Chronicle.
Now, the aged veteran is on a new mission — to prove that he’s an American.
“I want to get it done before I die,” Davidson says.
But proving his parents were Americans may be a daunting task with no real records of birth remaining in the family:
“My Dad was born and we called Iowa and (they) didn’t start keeping records until 1880 and he was born in 1878,” Davidson said.
Because he’s a veteran, applying for citizenship won’t cost Leeland anything and immigration officials say they will expedite his application. But after years of service to his adopted country, the bureaucratic process is disheartening.
“I’m an American citizen,” Davidson said. “Why should I have to fill out these forms? That’s what irks me.”
In 2002 President George W. Bush signed an Executive Order authorizing all non-citizens who served in the U.S. armed forces on or after Sept. 11, 2001, or who served in certain past wars and conflicts, be eligible for citizenship.
Davidson is ready and eager. “I don’t know why it would be too late,” he said.
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Comments (111)
Diane TX
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 5:18amThis story is ridiculous. Both of his parents were American citizens, but he was born on Canadian solid. It’s sort of like of having two Mexican parents and being born on American solid. He’s an American citizen, and the child born of the two Mexicans, is a Mexican citizen. Why is this so hard to understand?
Neither of his parents had any allegiance to Canada. They were just visiting. As an American citizen, say I was on vacation in France. I’m an American citizen, and my husband is also. I give birth to a child, unexpectedly – in France. Our child would still be an American child, although our child “might” be considered a child of France.
I firmly believe that the parents of a child determines what Nationally a child is.
Report Post »NYSTREETKID
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 1:02pmI am sorry for this man. But if we start saying if he not born here to one group we must be the same to all groups. I also read he knew that this was a issue and never looked into it to make sure. That on him. Let him file just like very one else. if he fits a certain program for vets good. But justice for all or justice for none. we can not pick and choices .
Report Post »317718
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 3:06amIf his wife is a citizen all is well anyway! That is obvious.
Report Post »anunyapete
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 8:35amNot necessarily… I am an American – born and raised in New Orleans. I married my wife in Vietnam, and it took over 18 months just to get a Temporary Resident Visa for her to come to the U.S. That has been upgraded to a Permanent Resident Visa. Of course, in U.S. government double-speak Permanent = only good for 10 years.
You can read stories online about married couples being split up and spouses being sent home — even if they have U.S.-born children. I recall the story of a US man married to a doctor from Brazil who had a medical practic in the States. She was sent home for some minor violation – I believe she was 30 days late in renewing her “Permanent” Resident status.
Report Post »UlyssesP
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 1:55amNew Headline: 235 Year Old Country Learns It’s President Is Not A U.S. Citizen.
Report Post »Hehehehehe…..
MeteoricLimbo
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 12:40ammust be the bacon eh
Report Post »AllTradesJack
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 12:28amI have no problem at all officially giving this guy citizenship.
It‘s giving a driver’s license to a 95-year-old that’s got me a wee bit nervous. ;-)
Report Post »tankerBigRed1
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 12:26amHow bout this one– my grandma was born & lived in Mitchell county IA all her life [105 years of it ] yet she had to register as alien-@ post office each year..
Report Post »FLyoverman
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 12:22amIf this man is not an American that what would you call out esteemed Imperious Ruler in the White House?
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:47pmThe pinheads who told him he’s not a citizen should be deported.
Report Post »flyoverbob
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:39pm82ND Im sure they already have it since you post on here.
Report Post »By the way Im 101
82dAirborne
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:50pmAirborne or Air Mobile?
Report Post »Quarton
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:35pmTwo of my kids were born overseas (their mother and I are both U.S. citizens), but we registered them as “U.S.Citizens born Overseas. They both have dual citizenship. One served in Iraq (U.S.M.C.) and the other is joining the Marine Corps (NOT “corpse” as Pres. Owebummer pronounces it!) soon, after his graduation.
Report Post »Mr. Davidson should be officially granted U.S. citizenship by the President, . . . not by this one. I think he might get the idea to grant himself U.S. citizenship!!!
2Valhalla
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:27pmyou guys are too funny.. love it ! Get’em an express to full citizenship- Pronto !
Report Post »being that Holder is in office – it might be best he say he’s got some choc. in his cream…..:)
meld531
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:24pmHmm, well I was just re reading my post and I want to clarify a few points. I was being sort of tongue in cheek? when i was comparing my situation to the gentleman depicted in the article. I would never claim to be equally injusticed (word? idk, it gets the point across tho) as him. He is a veteran and hero in my mind and I sincerely hope that this gets rectified asap. :) Thank you for serving our country Mr. Davidson!
Report Post »DatabaseSue
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:19pmThis is Bull. His parents were American citizens, yet look at all these kids whose parents are NOT American Citizens that have no issues. Time to get someone with clout to get this resolved for this man. Hopefully now that this is reported on The Blaze, it will get resolved quickly for him.
Report Post »TnTrader
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:53pmThe problem is that birth on American soil confers citizenship automatically. Birth to American parents on an American military base seems to be problematic. If you recall, in the 2008 Presidential race John McCain, born on an American military base to two American parents and a highly decorated war hero, son of a highly decorated military officer and long term Senator from Arizona was required to provide proof of citizenship in order to run for the Presidency.
On the other hand, Mr. Barry Soetero, AKA, Barry Obama, AKA, Barack Obama, AKA Barry Dunham was not even required to provide school records. Go figure.
Mr. Davidson is screwed. Sad to say but unless he has a union card or is a member in good standing of the American communist party he is out of luck given the legal precedents.
De Opresso Libre
Report Post »flyoverbob
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:07pmComrades you better watch what you post on here.Homeland secutity will be knocking on you to to see your papers.
Report Post »82dAirborne
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:14pmGive ‘em my address. I would enjoy that visit.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:06pmIf he had a sister named Alida, who was four years older than he was, Mr. Davidson was in California in 1920. He’s the right age, but it said he was born in California. Not all information is correct, I’ve found.
If someone can find out his father’s name, I’ll see if I can find his parents.
Report Post »meld531
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:02pmOMGOSH!!! This is me. I was born overseas in Taiwan while my dad was stationed there with the US Army. Both of my parents are US citizens, however, since I was only 6 months old when they were sent back home they weren’t required to apply for a passport for me. About 6 years ago I applied for my first passport and was denied because my parents never filed some sort of consulate of birth abroad thingy. I don’t know exactly what it is I am missing and its pretty much impossible to get a real person on the phone to explain any of it. My dad and a customs agent (ended up traveling to an american territory a few yrs later but still got hassled getting back into the country anyway) told me I have to get naturalized. I think that is BS and I suppose eventually I will figure it out. BUT really? It says right on my birth certificate that I was born in a US NAVAL hospital and I always thought that was considered US soil. It was always a question of mine as a little girl when I learned about the whole natural born citizen clause for eligibility to become president (not that I ever aspired to be one, just natural curiosity that has obviously grown a bit with the whole Obama birther controversy). Anyway, the funny thing is, I have a ss card, a drivers license, I’m married, I’m a registered voter, mom to three kids, had a form of Medicare on my children for a short time and even received a pell grant to pay for part of my education and the issue NEVER came up until the one time I tried to leave the country. I‘ve never pursued it afterward and so far since it hasn’t been an issue. I don’t get it at all. Altho I do feel this guys pain. I live on the border of Canada and I am now no longer able to my fave fish and chips restaurant since I can’t seem to figure out how to get a passport lol….
Report Post »82dAirborne
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:07pmThat is really strange. For most purposes U.S. Military posts/bases/installations and ships are considered U.S. Territory. I’d do some more checking. This doesn’t sound right to me.
Report Post »Tnredneck
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:13pmIf you were an illegal from Mexico you wouldn’t have a problem. Go figure
dswynne1
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:18pmJust a thought: technically, you could file for dual citizenship if you so desire. That way, if you’re traveling overseas, you can use a Taiwanese passport without getting hassled because of your American heritage.
Report Post »meld531
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:32pm@82
It IS strange LOL!!! It bugs the heck out of me too, especially lately. But I am a mom with kids ranging in age from 15 to 2. I just don’t have it in me to deal with the hassle of it all. I’ve shown the paper work to lots of people including a couple of lawyer friends but no one knows what it says!! We pretty much figured we’ll head over to the nearest official office at some point. Up until a yr or two the closest one was in chicago about 7 hrs from me. Now we have one about an hour away but trips to the city are best reserved for baseball games and museums with the kids ;) for now…..
Report Post »teahugger
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 1:55amJust don‘t wait until you’re 95 to get it resolved!
Report Post »APatriotFirst
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 7:18amOne reason to get it done…………one of your kids, when all grown up……..is in a diffrent country. Maybe comes down sick and you need to get there. You will need a passport.
Get hoppin on this. Don’t let the grass grow under your feet.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 10:56pmCensus records! His father would be on the 1880 and 1900 census records. Census records wait for 75 years to be made public, so this man would be in the census records, probably with his parents.
Report Post »oldwhiteguy
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 10:55pmI hope when I am a 100 I am worrying about losing my SSI and being deported. Heck I am worried about that already and I am from the Vietnam era.
Report Post »QuietRiot
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 10:54pmYOU go Sir and you win it !! You already have it in my book……
Report Post »randy
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 10:48pmSTARTLING DISCOVERY: Obama LEARNS HE’S NOT A U.S. CITIZEN
Report Post »chips1
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:00pmWhat’s not startling is Obow-wow doesn’t care.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:23pmA startling discovery would be they found a long for birth certificate for B.O.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:28pmDonald Trump does. And that‘s the strategy he’ll use in his run for the presidency.
Report Post »raspberrytea
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 10:44pmBless his heart. If anyone is a citizen, he is.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 10:53pmAmen! He would do well to call his congressman, but it didn’t say which state he lives in. Just that his father was born in Iowa.
Bible records, tombstone photographs, etc., would help establish his father, but — geez! that’s a tough one!
Report Post »CatB
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:21pm@SHOW
Looks like it is Washington State
http://www.kval.com/news/offbeat/118474059.html?t
I think this is the “local” story that got picked up.
Report Post »tierrah
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 1:09pm@Show: Not sure but think he might be able to use the US Census as at least one of his documentations. The 1880 census is the first census to show the birthplace of both father and mother. Wouldn’t that prove that both parents were US citizens?
Report Post »KTsayz
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 10:43pmhehe Well, if Obowmao can get away with it….
Report Post »82dAirborne
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 10:39pmHe served honorably in WWII. He’s an American as far as I am concerned.
Note: Just wanted to mention that I guess I am making some person (s) mad. My posts are being deleted for the first time. I have posted here off and on since day one. It’s frustrating. Report me all you like. That won’t cause me to stop. I really wish that the “PCBEDAMNED” screen name is already taken!!
Report Post »Tnredneck
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:09pmKeep posting 82d. The problem is the moderator. You offended her somehow. She just removed my post. Of course if you were to say something that offended a male or a child she would let that go thru. But I’m with you 82d and hope you can work it out so you can stay with us
Report Post »Robert-CA
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:13pm@ 82DAIRBORNE
I don’t get it sometimes my posts are gone for no reason .
Mr Davidson you are a patriot & a hero from WWII & you are a US citizen . GOD Bless you .
Report Post »A lot of Americans have citizenship but they’re not patriot or loyal to this country & we’re seeing a lot of them these days holding communist signs .
Patriotism & loyalty is in your blood & it’s not on a piece of card .
CatB
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:15pmIt is happening to many of us … I stopped posting on Comcast because of the heavy censorship and will do the same here if this keeps up. I have seen some attacking liberal posts left .. when conservative mild ones are gone … even jokes!
Report Post »82dAirborne
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:16pm@Tnredneck
Report Post »Thank You. I’m not giving up. I shouldn’t have said anything to start with. Stupid.
Robert-CA
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:41pmGuys keep posting , I don’t care if they delete it I will repost .
Report Post »lillianrose
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 4:35amI have seen many of my posts removed- the ones showing facts and where I found them- backing my info- seem to be the ones that get removed.
earthrise
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 6:48pmi was banned for a while…. but i’m back. I really miss that Choctaw Lady. :D
Report Post »flyoverbob
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 10:39pmYou were in the military,well you cant have citizenship our party chairman says you are a terrorist.Just take your bible and guns and go home.Sure you can take all the guns you want. Oh no sorry wrong border,we are going to send you to Guantanamo.
Report Post »bikerr
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 10:46pmI think I know where this is heading.He will be approached by the President to be Honored for his service and given some award as a fellow non American citizen .
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 10:52pmAre you telling me that he is NOT a drug-pushing illegal alien from mehico who is on welfare with his 3 wives , 4 kids, % convictions and 6 IDs in atleast 2 states?
Report Post »How dare he expect to be assumed to be an American ?
fertlmind
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:01pmThis gentleman is more of a citizen than Obamma
Report Post »and MUCH more responsible
AzDebi
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:27pm@bikerr:
Report Post »“I think I know where this is heading.He will be approached by the President to be Honored for his service and given some award as a fellow non American citizen.”
__________________
Hate to say it, but you are probably right!
82dAirborne
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:30pmNow would be a good time for an Executive Order. Even on vacation Mr. Obama could find a napkin and a pen.
TruthTalker
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 10:36pmHe deserves citizenship if anyone does.
Report Post »SnapTie
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:07pmHe has Pocket Rockets in the hole.. Both parents being US citizens qualifies him for citizenship.. Back in the teens and twenties paperwork wasn’t kept as closely as today.Somebody should make this right,soon………http://travel.state.gov/law/family_issues/birth/birth_593.html
Report Post »SnapTie
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:10pmhttp://travel.state.gov/law/family_issues/birth/birth_593.html
Report Post »A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:19pmAargh! There’s an illegal Canadian in my country!
Just kidding. :) … :( …
I hope someone can adopt him or something. He certainly doesn’t sound like he joined our military as a mercenary – he loves the idea our Founders had for America.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:32pmMr Davidson you have my vote for citizenship here in America. You also have my THANKS for serving Our Great Country.
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:34pmHe’s more American than Obama is, and Obama still can’t prove where he was born.
Who do you want to run for POTUS in 2012?
Report Post »http://tinyurl.com/4rv8xsm
joseph Fawcett
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:43pmYes I would agree this guys should be declared an American Citizen. However, don’t forget we have a President who may not be a citizen either!
http://www.josephfawcettart.com western artist
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 11:51pmIf our President can’t produce a birth certificate, he doesn’t have to either.
Report Post »123gone
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 1:02amOK Obama, NOW is the time to step up to bat with your Executive Order privilege !!
Report Post »DagneyT
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 7:30amNow wait just a cotton picken minute! If they can figure this out, why can‘t they figure out Oblahblah’s legal status?
Report Post »TexasCommonSense
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 8:02amIf President Obama had any class, he would make his citizenship official immediately. It would take nothing more than a signature on a paper. If he can make time for minutia like his NCAA picks, he can certainly make time for something as deserving as this. Then again, the Brits were our allies in WWII, and we all know Obama hates the Brits. Remember him sending back the bust of Winston Churchill almost immediately after taking office? It doesn’t matter to him they were fighting with us to defeat one of the biggest evils that has ever existed.
Report Post »psst
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 9:02am@Fawcett who said.”However, don’t forget we have a President who may not be a citizen either!”
Um. But I bet he (Soetoro) can go back and forth anytime he wants to do so.
Report Post »USAMama
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 11:40amWow I thought having 2 American parents automatically made you a US citizen. Figures, 2 canadiens can come to America to have their baby and that baby is automatically a US citizen (actually gets duel citizenship) but 2 Americans go to Canada and have a baby and he doesn’t get citizenship. Our priorities really are bass ackwards!
Report Post »Mee the People
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 12:41pmi will give him mine if obummer doesnt give him his own
Report Post »right-wing-waco
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 1:09pmTHANK YOU Mr. Davidson. Thank you for your service. This is pretty sad, we have president that will not prove he is a citizen and then we have this old soldier that the government demands proof of citizenship in order to get ID. What a crock.
Mr. Davidson, you are more of a citizen than most citizens. May God give you many more years.
Report Post »Svt4Him
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 3:47pmHe is not American. His family didn’t do the proper paperwork, and he’s claiming ignorance of the law, which is no defence. So do the paperwork, everyone has to.
Mee the People
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 4:37pmi bet canada will take him if obummer wont
Report Post »pavnvet
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 5:33pm@ svt4him…. What an idiotic statement. He hasn’t violated any law. He lacks proof that he conforms to the law. What I don‘t understand is why he can’t travel to Canada since he was born there and should be able to cross the border. He has to be considered either a Canadian or an American.
Seriously, he served his country, he was willing do die for his country, his country needs to correct this bureaucratic bull.
Report Post »random357
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 10:21pmThis is what barack hopes will never happen to him.
Report Post »Searreigh
Posted on March 27, 2011 at 12:37pmHe’s white, he can forget it.