Military Service & US Citizenship

[Lev Kobrin]

U.S. Citizenship through Military Service
May 16, 2008
Members and certain veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to apply for United States citizenship under special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). In addition, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have streamlined the application and naturalization process for military personnel and those who recently discharged. Generally, the qualifying service for the U.S. Citizenship is in one of the following branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, certain reserve components of the National Guard and the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve.

Qualifications

As per USCIS to qualify for the U.S. Citizenship, a member of the U.S. Armed Forces must meet certain requirements. This includes demonstrating:
• Good moral character;
• Knowledge of the English language;
• Knowledge of U.S. government and history (civics); and
• Attachment to the United States by taking an Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.
The members of the U.S. Armed Forces who qualify and meet all the requirements for the U.S. Citizenship are exempted from other naturalization requirements, including residency and physical presence in the United States. These exceptions are listed in Sections 328 and 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

All aspects of the naturalization process, including applications, interviews and ceremonies are available overseas to members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

An individual who obtains U.S. citizenship through his or her military service and separates from the military under “other than honorable conditionsâ€

[lanwarrior]

I thought one have to be a US Citizen in order to join the US military? At one time, I searched for position in Air Force and US Army and every single one requires citizenship.

[Lev Kobrin]

Sometimes, a green card is enough for military service.

[lanwarrior]

Sometimes, a green card is enough for military service.

Can you elaborate? Which position and when (you said "Sometimes") can a green card holder join the Army? I understand certain position that requires Top Clearance requires citizenship, but when I search for military position AND stopped by in my local army recruiter, they said I must be a US citizens OR have my citizenship in process. That is, I have pass my 5 years mark and the paperwork is in progress.

[oldmedic]

Infantry, and other "non-skilled" jobs are open to non citizens. Only occupations that require some degree of a security clearance are totally closed.

I personally served with many aliens (in the legal sense) during my 10 years in the Army from 1959-1969.

I still know of several legal aliens that are serving.

BUT, be aware, that you will mostly likely be sent into a combat zone if you choose that method. If you desert, or do not serve honorably, you have forfieted your chance at getting Citizenship.