Can an Illegal Immigrant Join the Military?
If you have ever been concerned about what would happen if you were an illegal immigrant, you have probably been wondering about whether you would be allowed to join the military. That is actually a really common question and one that many people have. The answer depends on the specifics of your situation. But if you are a legal resident of the United States, you can probably go straight into the military. However, if you are not a citizen, you may have to get a Parole in Place (PIP) or DACA.
Legal permanent residents
In the United States, the armed forces are looking for more individuals to serve. This is why legal permanent residents can join the military. However, there are certain steps that a person must take before joining the military.
First, applicants must be a lawful permanent resident or a non-citizen who has a green card. They must also be able to read, write, and speak English, and swear an oath of allegiance to the U.S. Constitution and the Immigration and Nationality Act.
A non-citizen may also apply for citizenship through the MAVNI program. The program allows the military to recruit immigrants with critical skills. For instance, it allows non-citizens with medical skills and expertise to join the military. Once they are inducted, they can be eligible for citizenship after completing basic training.
Currently serving service members must meet suitability screening requirements. These steps include completing a security background check and undergoing physical fitness tests. If a person does not pass the required steps, he or she may be deported.
Non-citizens who join the armed forces will be subject to a background check, which could take a year to complete. During this time, new recruits cannot begin basic training.
Immigrants who do not qualify for citizenship should apply for a LPR status, which will enable them to remain in the United States for a year. Those who meet the requirements can then marry a citizen, apply for employment, and/or get married to a green card holder.
Service members who are not citizens should contact their installation’s Legal Assistance Office to find out if they qualify for citizenship. They may then file a Form N-400 to apply for citizenship.
It used to be easier to become a citizen through the military. Now, however, the process has become more complicated, and it is not always easy to get a visa. Additionally, residents of hostile countries may not be able to join the military.
The Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) pilot program allows the military to recruit up to 1,000 non-citizens without a green card. Applicants must have specialized skills and be willing to contribute to the military’s mission.
Noncitizens
For more than 200 years, Congress has recognized the role noncitizens play in our military. They have served in virtually every major conflict since the founding of our republic. Noncitizens make up a significant portion of today’s military. But recently, the Trump administration has taken a step that could hamper the military’s ability to recruit noncitizens.
A recent lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Southern California challenges the Trump administration’s policy, which severely restricts the number of officials who can issue certifications for noncitizen service members. It also makes it difficult for noncitizens to get the citizenship process started early.
The Military Assisted Volunteer Naturalization Initiative (MAVNI) program has been lauded by foreign nationals for its fast track to naturalization. Noncitizens in the pilot program can join the military and earn citizenship after basic training. Applicants must meet certain qualifications, including having a legal status in the United States and having at least a high school diploma.
In addition, the MAVNI program requires noncitizens to have at least two years of lawful residency in the US. Additionally, a noncitizen must pass a history test and an English language test.
As of February 2018, the Army has not updated its eligibility requirements. However, the Navy and Marine Corps have made it easier for noncitizens to serve.
Recruits in the military are expected to be in good physical condition. Enlistment can be a fulfilling career opportunity.
If you are interested in enlisting, be sure to contact your recruiter. You should be able to pass a basic physical examination. Depending on your service branch, you may be required to have a GED certificate, or a certain level of medical or foreign language expertise.
While it is important to note that there are several benefits to serving in the armed forces, the expedited citizenship process can be a major draw. By allowing noncitizens to join, the United States is able to keep its military recruitment numbers up. This is especially important in wartime, when it can take as little as three years to become naturalized.
DACA-status immigrants
Immigrants in the United States with DACA status can serve in the military. But if the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security don’t have a plan to fix their undocumented family situation, these recruits won’t be able to stay in the country.
The military’s MAVNI program allows immigrants with certain skills to enlist in the armed forces. However, it is also a pilot program that was set to expire at the end of the fiscal year.
The Department of Defense, however, has announced a limited expansion of the program. According to officials, the program will include both DACA-status immigrants and those who don’t have the proper visas. In addition, the Pentagon will conduct background checks on all enlisted MAVNI candidates.
DACA-status immigrants can apply for the MAVNI program, but they will have to meet the requirements. This includes a biographic background check and substantial documentary evidence.
If applicants can meet these criteria, they will be able to enlist in the military and potentially earn citizenship in the process. While the Navy and Marine Corps have not sought out MAVNI candidates in recent years, the Air Force has accepted a handful of recruits.
It’s important to note that the Pentagon has ordered an intensive background check on all MAVNI enlisted individuals. As a result, new applicants are unlikely to be able to enlist.
Additionally, the program will only allow a maximum of 1500 new recruits each year. Unfortunately, that means that fewer than half the 1.2 million people who currently have no legal immigration status will be able to participate.
Some states are asking the Department of Homeland Security to repeal DACA. Texas, California, and New York are among those who have filed a lawsuit to stop the program. There have also been reports of thousands of enlisted recruits still waiting to be deployed.
Those who already have a green card can apply for lawful permanent residency after one year of service. Individuals can also seek employment authorization. These options can help resolve the undocumented family issue.
Parole in Place (PIP)
If you are an undocumented immigrant, you may be eligible for Parole in Place. This is a program that gives you a fast path to permanent residency. However, you will need to understand the process, so you can make the most of the opportunity.
In order to qualify for PIP, you must be a family member of a U.S. citizen, a member of the armed forces, or a former military member. You must be able to prove your relationship with your loved one.
A criminal conviction will disqualify you from getting PIP. It is important to know this before you apply. Your lawyer can help you evaluate your eligibility and help you navigate through the process. He or she can also help you seek post-conviction relief and other immigration benefits.
While the PIP program was established to assist undocumented immigrants who have family members in the military, President Trump has vowed to scale back the program. He is also working to separate military-citizenship relationships.
As a result, the policy has been in a legal limbo. Although the United States Department of Homeland Security has expanded the PIP policy, denial rates are increasing. Several people are uncertain as to how long the program will be in place.
If you have a question about whether you are eligible for parole in place, you should contact an experienced Phoenix immigration attorney. Having a knowledgeable immigration attorney can make the difference in the outcome of your case. Whether you need to file for a waiver or post-conviction relief, a Phoenix immigration attorney can help you get the results you need.
The PIP application is a complex process. It involves hiring an attorney and submitting several documents. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the entire process can take a long time.
An immigration attorney will be able to guide you through the process and assist you with any questions you have. They can also help you determine if you are eligible for PIP and help you decide if it is right for you.