As Americans, we live in a country that is a melting pot of diversity, yet there is one common denominator that we all share regardless of race or status of citizenship - the value of our freedom.

But freedom doesn't come easy; you have to fight for it. 

Many who proudly serve and defend our freedoms in the U.S. are Latino immigrants.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1.2 million of Latinos 18 and older are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Every day, they put their lives on the line for Americans, yet many are unable to officially call the U.S. their home. Essentially, they face two battles - one on the frontlines, and one in Washington, as they seek a path to citizenship for their families along with those who are willing to earn the right to become citizens.

While the pressure for Congress to vote on comprehensive immigration reform has reached an all-time high, Latino community members across the U.S. have sprung into action to remind Congress of immigrants' plight to citizenship. 

Latinos from across the U.S. are issuing the reminder to Congress through a petition-like postcard, as part of a campaign that was organized by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Hispanic Federation (HF), and Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA). The national groups advocate for immigration reform that protects the civil and human rights of all workers and members of our society.

The postcard reads:

Dear Member of Congress,

U.S. military service members fight for our freedom as Americans, even if not all of them are U.S. citizens. Since September 2002, 89,095 military service members have become citizens.

This Veterans Day, we honor those who defend our country and stand ready to defend their families' quest for American citizenship. Don't you think they have earned the right?

The Time Is Now to pass commonsense immigration reform with a path to citizenship for families who contribute to our nation every day.

According to LULAC, Veterans Day will kick off the national groups' push for action for commonsense immigration reform. On Nov. 12, Latino community leaders will hold a press call that will include Jesus Magaña, a 24-year-old U.S. citizen who was serving in the U.S. Air Force two years ago when his sister was detained and placed in deportation proceedings.

Magaña's 28-year-old sister, Alejandra Pablos, was charged with two misdemeanors and was taken to the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona. Not understanding the consequences of her actions, he said she entered into a plea agreement that led to an order of deportation.

Not being able to be home to fight for the release of his sister was extremely tough for Magaña. His sister, who has been living in United States ever since she was 2 months old, became a permanent resident at the age of 18 when her mother, a naturalized U.S. citizen, petitioned for her.

"It was like we were both fighting our own war," Magaña told VOXXI, recalling their trying experience. "I was fighting for America and she was fighting for her own freedom."

Upon Magaña's return from his deployment in Kuwait last year, he and his mother were able to get his sister released. Luckily, a judge approved Pablos's request for a bond, which the judge set at $8,000, at a hearing in mid-September.

While Pablos was released after being detained for two years, she still risks deportation. Therefore, she is appealing to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which could hand down a decision in about a year to a year and a half.

As history shows, Veterans Day brings to light many heroic, challenging and powerful stories of brave men and women, yet when it comes to immigration reform, many injustices overshadow this important holiday. 

Veterans Day originated as "Armistice Day" on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars. The day honors military veterans with parades and speeches across the nation. A national ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.