Well yes, there is a process by Birth isnt the onlyw ay, Say a Father from Country A arrives and over time becomes a citizen, well since his family relies on him they also become citizen and get the same rights, same as if your child becomes a citizen you will also.

BUT

Julio i think in the movies Pearl Harbor its said best. "Top Secret missions, the ones that your family will be recieving your awards for.." (..not exactly whats said but the jist of it..) I dont know exactly WHY they still reward him, they just do. Kidna like a "why not" thing, doesnt really hurt anyone NOT to do it so may as well. But like i said most likely there was more depth into the story which the media failed to cover, just like ALOT of stuff they do.