Marion County veteran denied citizenship for second time

ORLANDO, Fla. — A local U.S. military veteran who has lived, worked, and even voted in the country for decades had a second request for citizenship denied Wednesday.

We first told you about Paul Canton back in February, shortly after he first learned he wasn’t actually a U.S. citizen.

The Marion County horse rancher was born in New Zealand and grew up in Australia before moving to the United States at age 17 and eventually joining the Marines.

Canton says his recruiter told him he would become a citizen at the end of his service, but it was later determined his time of service fell outside the window to get automatic citizenship.

He only learned of his citizenship status when he went to renew his Florida Driver’s license last year.

Canton’s wife and two sons waited for him Wednesday at the immigration office in Orlando while two officers interviewed him.

After two hours, Canton left the office and signaled the result with a thumbs down.

His appeal to become a U.S. citizen was again denied, putting him at risk for deportation at any time.

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

Canton’s attorney says there’s a chance his wife could sponsor him to keep him in the country, but that process could take years, and he still wouldn’t be a citizen.

If his wife can successfully sponsor him for a green card and residency, he could get another chance to apply for citizenship after three more years.

Additionally, Canton renounced his Australian citizenship when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, so right now, he has no country to return to should he be deported.

Cox Media Group