Think Out Loud

National Guard recruitment center in The Dalles shows why some are signing up to serve to protect undocumented relatives

By Malya Fass (OPB)
Jan. 20, 2026 4:56 p.m.

Broadcast: Tuesday, Jan. 20

Amid crackdowns by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, some are turning to serve for the U.S. military in order to receive protections for their undocumented family members. The Parole in Place program provides a protection from deportation for undocumented parents and spouses of military members.

New York Times reporter Greg Jaffe, who covers the Pentagon and the U.S. military, spent eight days in The Dalles, reporting on National Guard recruitments in the city and speaking to members of the community. He joins us to discuss his reporting in The Dalles.

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