Posted on Mar 2, 2021
How can someone obtain citizenship through the military? Is it possible?
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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!
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Citizenship
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 7
Suspended Profile
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.
PV2 Adar Fulton
Awesome! Thank you so much for your response SFC Twigg!
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SFC (Join to see)
The MAVNI program was suspended several years ago, I think as far back as Obama administration. It was heavily infiltrated by foreign counter intelligence agents and there were administrative nightmares that came with it.
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Suspended Profile
That thought crossed my mind a number of times when dealing with Chinese college students that wanted to join. I remember asking one guy, what his parents thought. He gave me the answer I expected. Recruiting Stations don't have the capability to investigate anyone from a foreign country.
Suspended Profile
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.
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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
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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
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PV2 Adar Fulton
I read That they changed they added new requirements during Trumps administration - what changed a lot and is prolonging that process - so sorry! Can I ask How were you able to enlist as a non citizen though?
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SSG (Join to see)
As a green card holder I know some people that didn’t have one you have to go through an intensive background check which I’m not against but in other words I wasn’t illegally in the states
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SSG (Join to see) - I don't know of a way to enlist today without being a legal permanent resident. There have been on occasions some special programs, usually language related, but I think most of went away because of security issues.
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SSG (Join to see)
Yes sir that is correct some of my basic peers did when the policy changed in 2017 it made it hard and long to get your citizenship in my case I want to attend selection for SF and I can’t until I get my citizenship CPT Lawrence Cable
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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
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PV2 Adar Fulton
Thank you MSgt from what I am Reading it looks like he would have to have been in the military already or is in currently to do the process
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