US Sen. Marco Rubio’s office working with Central Florida military vet in his fight for citizenship

The office of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio is getting involved in the case of a local Marine veteran who is fighting for citizenship decades after his service.

Channel 9 reported Jeff Deal shared veteran Paul Canton’s story Monday. Click here to read and watch it in full.

Canton said he gave Rubio permission to gain access to his military records. The senator’s office said because of privacy concerns, it can’t say specifically how it’s getting involved.

READ: ‘I didn’t know if I was going to see my wife and kids again’: U.S. veteran denied citizenship decades after service

Dr. Aubrey Jewett, a University of Central Florida political science professor, said federal agencies have staff specifically dedicated to working with House and Senate members. Jewett said these staff members can often react more quickly when these leaders get involved because their agencies rely on Congress for funding.

Canton said he is hoping his appeal will be successful and that Rubio will push legislation to make it easier for foreign-born veterans to gain citizenship.

“There's a lot of simple stuff that could be good to clear up the entire mess,” Canton said.

Jewett said it doesn’t happen often but sometimes lawmakers will see an individual situation like this and push to change the law.

In the meantime, some veterans plan to rally outside the immigration office in Orlando on Monday morning on Canton’s behalf.

Video: U.S. veteran denied citizenship decades after service Paul Canton told 9 Investigates reporter Jeff Deal that the revelation turned his world upside down and left him in fear he would be deported and lose his family.

© 2020 Cox Media Group