Members of the United States Armed Forces May Qualify for Expedited Citizenship

Approximately 37,000 immigrants serve in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Many of these warriors desire to become citizens but because of long deployments and military necessity, they very often never get around to completing the application process; many more simply do not know they are eligible. 

Non-citizen members of the Armed Forces who have served on active duty at any time beginning September 11, 2001, are eligible to apply for United States citizenship pursuant to a special provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Section 329 of the INA allows active duty servicemembers who have served honorably during an authorized period of conflict to apply for citizenship without having to comply with the normal residency requirements. On July 3, 2002, President George W. Bush signed Executive Order 13269 designating the war against terrorism as an authorized period of conflict with an effective date of September 11, 2001. Executive Order 13269 makes expedited citizenship possible.

Section 329 of the INA requires all applicants to submit a properly completed application for naturalization, a current set of fingerprints, detailed biographic information, and a certificate of military service. Applicants honorably discharged from the Armed Forces prior to submitting their application should include a copy of their DD Form 214 Report of Separation. The only other requirement is that the member be a lawful permanent resident of the United States. Completed applications may be submitted through the servicemember’s military base or filed directly with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Several benefits accrue once a servicemember has obtained United States citizenship. Earning the right to vote in general elections and, in some cases, run for political office following a departure from the Armed Forces, are just two examples. Citizens also have the right to travel abroad for extended periods of time with a U.S. passport and seek assistance or protection from U.S. consulates. And, perhaps the most cherished benefit of all, citizens can petition on behalf of their foreign relatives to bring them to the U.S. to live permanently.   

Although the citizenship process is meant to be less complicated than for non-servicemembers, there are many pitfalls that could easily sink an otherwise valid application. For example, a Sailor who has received non-judicial punishment for an offense may find it difficult to establish good moral character. Therefore, servicemembers would be well advised to consult with a qualified immigration attorney prior to submitting their application for citizenship.