How can someone obtain citizenship through the military? Is it possible?

2021-03-02T10:14:24-05:00

Please correct me if I am Wrong- I have a cousin from a different country who would like to obtain his citizenship here and then join the armed forces. I do remember in basic training, there were people who did this process while in basic. They had to do interviews, they did the class, took the oath and graduated- the whole process that comes with being naturalized. I was Wondering what is this process/ program and does it still exist? Is it certain countries? I did Ask a recruiter, but she was not the best at her job so I honestly don’t trust what she had to say- she mentioned a form?... anyway please anyone shed some light! Thank you!

Response by SFC Thomas Twigg made Mar 2 at 2021 10:36 AM

2021-03-02T10:36:12-05:00

It has been a minute or two since I retired. There was a program, MAVNI, which was based on which languages the Army/DOD needed. For example, I had some Mexicans that were in the states asking if they could join under the program. The Army has enough people who speak Spanish that it is not a language in demand. However, there was need for Chinese, some Mid-Eastern languages, and Korean. The best thing to do is contact a local recruiting office since these rules change all the time and the window when they open goes quick. If your cousin wants to do this and there is a need for her language, she needs to take the ASVAB, get physically qualified, and wait for the door to open. I had a Korean speaking applicant, who while on the Med line, Korean closed. It is that quick. Good luck.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 2 at 2021 10:36 AM

2021-03-02T10:36:28-05:00

Deploy to Afghanistan

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2021 11:53 AM

2021-03-02T11:53:41-05:00

https://www.uscis.gov/military/naturalization-through-military-service

Naturalization Through Military Service

Important Updates Regarding the 2020 Version of the

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2021 11:56 AM

2021-03-02T11:56:28-05:00

https://www.uscis.gov/laws-and-policy/legislation/immigration-and-nationality-act

Immigration and Nationality Act

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) was enacted in 1952. The INA collected many provisions and reorganized the structure of immigration law. The INA has been amended many times over the years

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2021 2:31 PM

2021-03-02T14:31:56-05:00

Well I’m going to speak based on my experience I went to basic in 2018 and still not a citizen wasn’t even able to vote in the 2020 election still waiting for USCIS I guess service members don’t get a fast track process

Response by CSM Tim Bebus made Mar 2 at 2021 9:08 PM

2021-03-02T21:08:48-05:00

There is a track to citizenship while serving in the military. However in order to enlist I. the military you have to have a ins-card. also known as a green card. you cannot just enlist to get citizenship, however if you are a green card holder and want to serve beyond 8 years you must become a citizen during that time

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2021 2:08 PM

2021-03-03T14:08:21-05:00

A fast track citizenship program used to allow active duty military members to begin the naturalization process after only one day of active duty. I'm uncertain of the status of the program now, because it was amended under the previous administration. Check with US Citizen and Immigration Services.