After fighting for almost a decade to gain U.S. citizenship, time is running out for Marine Corps veteran Paul Canton.
He’ll likely be deported soon back to his native New Zealand, despite serving in the U.S. military for seven years, and building a life in Central Florida for more than 25 years.
Canton’s story first hit the news cycle in 2020 when his application for citizenship was rejected by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, even though the former Marine had no criminal record.
Despite the setback, Canton and his family kept working on his citizenship case, gaining support from leaders on both sides of the political spectrum.
However, Canton’s glimmer of hope was torpedoed in February when a federal judge nixed his appeal, bringing him one step closer to leaving the place he’s called home for 35 years.
'Flawed System'
Both Democratic and Republican politicians, especially from Florida, have voiced concerns over Canton’s plight, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with former Congresswomen Val Demings and current representative Daniel Webster, some even offering help to the former Marine.
But Canton feels the U.S. immigration system is flawed, especially when laws aren’t in the books to allow automatic citizenship to veterans who were honorably discharged with no prior criminal transgressions. His attorney, Elizabeth Ricci, was hopeful Canton would receive citizenship on appeal, but that wasn’t the case.
Left with few options, Canton is planning to uproot his life in the U.S. and return to New Zealand.
How His Conundrum Began
Canton looks back on his service with pride. His home in Marion County, Florida, is decorated with memories from his life as a Marine. He prominently displays various commendations he received during his stint in the military in the 1990s.
In his youth, Canton was granted a foreign exchange student visa but overstayed his time. He decided to enlist in the Marine Corps on March 29, 1991, amid Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf. He said his recruiter promised him citizenship if he served and was discharged honorably.
“I just fell in love with this country. I just wanted to serve and protect,” Canton said.
Canton honored his promise, leaving the Marines in 1998 after a decorated seven-year term. He built his life in Florida, marrying his wife, Paula, and starting a family. He voted in elections. But while applying for a new driver’s license, Canton learned he never really became an American citizen.
He hired a lawyer and his case started moving through the courts. Several years of riding the immigration roller-coaster of hope and frustration ended last month. A federal judge determined that despite Canton signing up for service during conflict, he hadn’t actually been an active-duty Marine until after Operation Desert Storm ended.
Canton married a U.S. citizen. His adult children are citizens. However, he was not eligible for immigration sponsorship due to his past voting record. Canton said he believed he was a citizen, granting him the right to vote. Canton casting a ballot prevents him from seeking citizen status, even with help from American family members.
Preparing to Leave U.S.
With his options dwindling, Ricci told Channel 9 in Orlando that her client’s only pathway to remaining in the U.S. is Congress passing a special naturalization bill or President Trump intervening on his behalf.
In recent weeks, Rep. Randy Fine (R-Florida) has been in contact with the veteran concerning his case.
“My office is aware of Mr. Canton’s situation, and we are working with our partners in the administration to determine what options may be available in light of the recent court decisions. We will keep the constituent updated as we learn more,” Fine said in a statement.
Did Canton fall through the cracks of a large, complex system?
“I feel like I’ve been shoved through a crack,” he said.
Canton’s family is making plans for him to deport back to New Zealand.
“My oldest boy is going to empty out the house and sell it,” Canton said. “And that’s the end of my time in America. Because I can’t come back.”
For Canton, the country he served can deny him citizenship, but it can’t wash away his time as a loyal Marine.
“I have earned the title of United States Marine and they’re never going to take that from me,” he said.
