Joining the ranks of the U.S. military can be a beneficial route for immigrants striving to become American citizens, provided they meet certain conditions that are somewhat more lenient compared to the general citizenship process.
On October 4th, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) proudly announced that two members of the U.S. Coast Guard had received their naturalization certificates on the very day they graduated from basic military training. "A cause for double celebration!" USCIS proclaimed on their Twitter account.
Recognition and Celebration
The government agency expressed its delight in welcoming these new Coast Guard members as American citizens. The naturalization ceremony took place at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey. "Congratulations and thank you for your service!" added the tweet.
Citizenship Through Service
According to another tweet from USCIS, over the past year, 152 members of the Coast Guard from 53 different countries have attained U.S. citizenship, thanks to collaboration with the Cape May Training Center.
The military offers a specialized citizenship process with more flexible requirements, although specific conditions must still be met. These include active duty or veteran status in the U.S. armed forces, holding a permanent resident card (green card), having a clean criminal record, and passing two exams: one on language proficiency and another on U.S. civics, covering history and government.
Application Process
The path to citizenship is facilitated through the N-400 form, or Application for Naturalization. For those in active service, the completion of form N-426, or Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service, is also required.
To enlist in the U.S. military, one must be a legal permanent resident, demonstrate fluency in English (speaking, reading, and writing), currently reside in the U.S., maintain a clean criminal history, and meet the age, education, and examination requirements specific to each military branch.
Age Requirements for Military Branches
- Marine Corps: 17 to 28 years
- Army: 17 to 35 years
- Air Force: 17 to 39 years
- Space Force: 17 to 39 years
- Coast Guard: 17 to 31 years
- Navy: 17 to 39 years