Thread: Streamlined Citizenship Application Process for Military

Streamlined Citizenship Application Process for Members of the Military

Release Date: January 15, 2010

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

Rule Formalizes Longstanding Policy to Expedite Citizenship for Service Men and Women

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced the publication of a rule formalizing DHS' longstanding policy to expedite and streamline the citizenship process for men and women bravely serving in America's armed forces.

"The foundation of our national security is the patriotic service and extraordinary sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces," said Secretary Napolitano. "Expediting the citizenship process for service members reflects our commitment to honoring those who come from all over the world to serve our country and become its newest citizens."

The rule amends DHS regulations to conform to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2004, reducing the time requirements for naturalization through military service from three years to one year for applicants who served during peacetime, and extending benefits to members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve of the U.S. Armed Forces. Service members who have served honorably in an active-duty status or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve for any time since Sept. 11, 2001, can file immediately for citizenship.

The rule also eliminates the requirement for members of the military to file biographic information forms (Form G-325B) with their naturalization applications - removing administrative redundancy and increasing efficiency for those who risk their lives for the nation's security.

For more information on USCIS and its programs available to the military, visit http://www.uscis.gov/military .

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This page was last reviewed/modified on January 15, 2010.
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http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1263576187942.shtm

I know we need to reduce immigration. But I think that anyone who has done ACTIVE DUTY in our military should be granted citizenship automatically on completion of that active duty. The only ones who should not receive it are those with a criminal history.

Originally Posted by redpony353

I know we need to reduce immigration. But I think that anyone who has done ACTIVE DUTY in our military should be granted citizenship automatically on completion of that active duty. The only ones who should not receive it are those with a criminal history.

They don't have to wait until discharge to be sworn in as citizens.
They are eligible to apply at anytime after they are sworn in to the military,
and they have to pass a the same background check as all other new citizens.

Service members who have served honorably in an active-duty status or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve for any time since Sept. 11, 2001, can file immediately for citizenship.

Members of the Military and their Families
This section of the USCIS Web site contains immigration information and links to resources geared specifically for members of the military and their families.

USCIS is continuously working with the Department of Defense to ensure the military community has accurate and up-to-date information about immigration services and benefits.

If you are a U.S. armed forces member seeking to petition for your family member for permanent residence (green card), see the “Familyâ€

Originally Posted by JohnDoe2

Originally Posted by redpony353

I know we need to reduce immigration. But I think that anyone who has done ACTIVE DUTY in our military should be granted citizenship automatically on completion of that active duty. The only ones who should not receive it are those with a criminal history.

They don't have to wait until discharge to be sworn in as citizens.
They are eligible to apply at anytime after they are sworn in to the military,
and they have to pass a the same background check as all other new citizens.

Service members who have served honorably in an active-duty status or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve for any time since Sept. 11, 2001, can file immediately for citizenship.

I know they can apply for it at any time....and they dont have to wait till they are discharged to be sworn in. But if their immigration process is not completed by their discharge date, they still have to wait. Somehow this seems wrong to me. Especially for ACTIVE DUTY personnel. If they have a clean background, then their ciizenship request should be expedited at the time they complete active duty. Reserve duty is different. Although they should also be given an expedited process...but not necessarily to match their discharge date.