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US Court Clears Path for Fast-Track Citizenship for Foreign-Born Military
Service Members

Aline Barros

   For nearly the past 80 years, the United States has offered a path to
   citizenship for foreigners who volunteer to serve in the American
   military. Under the Nationality Act of 1940, foreign-born military
   service members whose superior officers certify that they are serving
   with honor can use an expedited process to seek U.S. citizenship.

   That [1]process changed in October 2017, when the Trump administration
   added [2]new requirementsfor applicants. Instead of being able to start
   the application process soon after reporting to basic training with at
   least one day of service, green card holders first had to complete
   their military training requirements, have at minimum 180 consecutive
   days of active-duty service or at least one year of satisfactory
   service in the selected reserve, and pass an extensive background
   check.

   At the time, Stephanie Miller, director of military accession policy at
   the Department of Defense, explained that "while the department
   recognizes the value of expedited U.S. citizenship achieved through
   military service, it is in the national interest to ensure all current
   and prospective service members complete security and suitability
   screening prior to naturalization."

References

   1. https://www.voanews.com/usa/pentagon-issues-more-rigid-rules-immigrant-service-members
   2. https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/1342430/dod-announces-policies-affecting-foreign-nationals-entering-military/

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