As a way to show gratitude and support for military personnel and their families, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers a streamlined path to citizenship for certain family members of U.S. military members.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 319(e), spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens serving in the military may be eligible for expedited naturalization, also known as citizenship, if they meet certain requirements.
Spouses of U.S. military members must:
– Be at least 18 years of age
– Have been a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 3 years
– Be currently married to a U.S. citizen who has been an active duty member of the U.S. armed forces for at least 1 year
– Have resided continuously in the U.S. for at least 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the naturalization application
– Be physically present in the U.S. for at least 18 months out of the 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the naturalization application
– Be able to read, write, and speak basic English
– Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government
– Be a person of good moral character
Children of U.S. military members must:
– Be under 18 years of age and not married
– Be residing in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of their U.S. citizen parent who is an active duty member of the U.S. armed forces
– Be a permanent resident (green card holder)
– Be residing in the U.S. at the time of naturalization
– Meet all the other requirements for naturalization as listed above for spouses
Parents of U.S. military members must:
– Be at least 18 years of age
– Be a permanent resident (green card holder)
– Have resided continuously in the U.S. for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing the naturalization application
– Be physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing the naturalization application
– Be a person of good moral character
– Be able to read, write, and speak basic English
– Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government
– Be the parent of a U.S. citizen who is an active duty member of the U.S. armed forces
In addition to these requirements, all applicants for expedited naturalization must also meet the general requirements for naturalization, such as taking the Oath of Allegiance and passing a naturalization interview and test.
The USCIS also provides assistance to military personnel in obtaining citizenship for their adopted children, who may also be eligible for expedited naturalization.
The USCIS recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of military members and their families, and the expedited naturalization process is a way to show appreciation and support for their service to the country.
For more information on citizenship for military family members, including application forms and instructions, please visit the USCIS website or contact an immigration attorney for guidance.