The Austin American-Statesman reported last week that Liliana Plata, known to the Air Force as Cristina Alaniz, surrendered to authorities in Valdosta, Ga. on Tuesday and was released on bail the same day.  She is charged with fraudulent use or possession of identifying information.  A hearing set for next month will decide the punishment she faces of two years behind bars, a dishonorable discharge from the Air Force, and deportation to Mexico. 

According to the American-Statesman report, Plata came to the U.S. illegally from Mexico City and hoped to join the military.  After learning she needed a Social Security card to join, she borrowed $2,000 from her mother and purchased documents from a man in Los Angeles who sold new identities.  After being assured that her new identity was that of a deceased person, Liliana Plata became Cristina Alaniz. 

She went through basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and served as part of the 822^nd Security Forces Squadron with Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Alaniz (Plata) has consistently been praised for her performance on duty as well as earning an Air Force Achievement Medal. 

During these 2½ years of military service, the real Cristina Alaniz, a 22-year-old Texas State University student, found out from the Social Security offices that her identity had been stolen.  Her credit report led her to Moody Air Force Base, and after a full investigation the fraud was uncovered. 

A written statement from spokeswoman Capt. Erin Dick of Moody Air Force Base said that military policy makes discharge mandatory for undocumented immigrants in service.  Plata is assigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of her hearing, and her security clearance has been revoked. 

Plata is now fighting to stay in the Air Force and avoid deportation.  Her military lawyer, Capt. Randy Hicks said to the press, “I don’t condone fraudulent enlistment, but when all the mitigating factors are considered, her service in the war and the fact that she was brought to this country at age 10, she is by and large a victim of the circumstances she was in.”