The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) allows people born in other countries to fight for the country and obtain citizenship. Thus, people serving in the U.S. military are exempt from the certain requirements such as living in the country as a permanent resident for five years—or three years if married to a U.S. citizen.
However, all other aspects of the naturalization process are binding. These requirements include filling out the applications, participating in interviews and ceremonies, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Also, military members must meet qualifications such as taking an Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. Constitution. Other requirements include having good moral character, an understanding of U.S. civics and knowledge of English.
Military Members Must Complete the Application Process
According to USCIS, service members must fill out the applications for naturalization. These applications include the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) and Request for Certification of Military or Navel Service (Form N-426). The latter application lets the USCIS know the time of honorable service.
War Time Eligibility Requirements
During wartime, or what the military defines as periods of hostilities, non-native military members who serve honorably for any period of time are eligible for citizenship. For example the timeframe between September 11, 2001 until the conflict is resolved is considered a period of hostility. Members of the military can one day of service and still be eligible. They should be on active duty, have received honorable discharge or a part of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve. They must have gained lawful admittance as a permanent resident after enlistment. However, being physically present in the US at the time of enlistment is also permitted.
Peacetime Eligibility Requirements
In times of peace, there eligibility requirements differ. Members of the military must be at least 18 years or old and be a permanent resident at the time of the naturalization application. In other words, they must have continuously residence in the U.S. or approximately five years or more and live in the country for at least 30 months of those five years. If the members filed for citizenship during their service or within six months of leaving, don’t have to meet the continuously residence requirement.
