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A proposal to ban illegal immigrants from joining the US military failed miserably after more than 30 House Republicans helped with its defeat.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Steve King, R-Ia and Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Az, would have barred illegals from taking advantage of federal tax dollars through the country’s work visa, and then enlisting in the military, according to the Hill.

More than 30 Republicans with more centrist views on immigration joined all Democrats in opposing the two amendments offered to a Defense Department spending bill. The amendments failed narrowly with votes of 207-214 and 210-211, respectively. Certain young illegal immigrants qualify for DACA if they came to the U.S. as minors and have worked toward at least a high school education, among other requirements.The Obama administration has already enlisted some DACA recipients through a program, Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI), that recruits immigrants with valued foreign language or medical skills to serve in the military. Gosar said the Pentagon confirmed to his office that it had recruited 141 DACA recipients as of April.

A number of democratic opponents of the legislation claimed Republicans were only pushing the legislation in order to appear as though that they support GOP nominee Donald Trump, who takes a strong stance on immigration.

Republicans voting for the legislation said it closed a loophole and incentive that the country gives for illegal immigrants to gain access into the country.

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