Maryland military service members who are not U.S. citizens may have paths to becoming naturalized. There are thousands of people who are immigrants who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, and the Department of Defense is working together with the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to help make certain that those who serve are provided with information about immigration services.
The USCIS has partnered with the Department of Defense in order to help military service members understand how they might become naturalized U.S. citizens. It trains military lawyers about immigration laws. It also conducts sessions at which it answers soldiers’ questions about the naturalization process for military members.
The Immigration and Naturalization Act contains provisions allowing for active military service members to go through expedited processes of naturalization. Non-citizen soldiers must meet certain qualifications in order to become naturalized U.S. citizens. They must demonstrate that they have a knowledge of English, an understanding of U.S. government and civics, have good moral characters and must take an oath of allegiance to the country and the U.S. Constitution.
Military service members who are not U.S. citizens might want to consult with an immigration attorney about the naturalization process. Military service members who are active as well as those who served in certain conflicts may be eligible. Citizenship may bring multiple benefits, including the right to vote and the right to become officers in the military. U.S. citizens may also be able to serve as sponsors for their family members who also would like to immigrate to the U.S.