Reporters asked if they are U.S. citizens at Perry town hall

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At a town hall event in New Hampshire Wednesday morning for Governor Rick Perry (R-TX), reporters have indicated that they were asked if they were U.S. citizens. According to CNN, member of the press were posed this by an employee for Granite State Manufacturing, a defense contractor hosting the town hall, in order to abide by NAFTA rules.

Associated Press reporter Steve Peoples tweeted, “At press check in for Rick Perry NH town hall, we’re asked if we’re U.S. citizens.”

He added that attendees were “told only citizens allowed because town hall host is a defense contractor,” meaning “no foreigners allowed.”

NBC News’ Jo Ling Kent shared a similar tweet.

“At Perry press check in, I was asked if I am a U.S. citizen,” she wrote. “Only citizens allowed according to company, which is a defense contractor.”

CNN reported that the Perry campaign brought Granite State Manufacturing Facilities Manager Shawn O’Hagan to clarify the story.

“Anyone can come in, but foreigners must be accompanied by a company employee at all times,” O’Hagan said. “It’s a NAFTA security regulations.”

Granite State Manufacturing makes submarine parts for the U.S. Navy.