Can you join us military if you not citizen?

Requirements for Enlisting If You Are Not a U.S. Citizen You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to enlist in the military, but you may have fewer options. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must: Have a permanent resident card, also known as a Green Card.

Why did immigrants join the military?

Almost one in five draftees was born overseas. Many immigrants also volunteered to serve in the military, often to prove their loyalty to the U.S. and demonstrate their patriotism for their new country.

What percentage of the US military are non citizens?

There are approximately 68,711 foreign born serving in the US armed forces. The foreign born in the armed forces represent approximately 5 percent of the total on active duty. Of all military branches, the navy has the highest number of foreign-born personnel.

Can you gain citizenship by joining the military?

If you are serving or have served in the U.S. armed forces and are interested in becoming a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply for naturalization under special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

How can an immigrant join the US military?

To join the U.S. military, non-citizens must be living permanently and legally in the United States. Non-citizens must also have permission to work in the United States, possess an I-551 (Permanent Residence Card), have obtained a high school diploma and speak English.

How can a foreigner enlist in the US Army?

You cannot join the military from a foreign country – you must become a permanent U.S. resident, AKA a green-card holder. In the past enlisting with a green card has been a fast track to full citizenship, but as of February 2018, the rules are in flux.

Can illegal immigrants join army?

Additionally, under the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program, skilled foreigners such as translators may be recruited as needed, along with, as of September 2014 illegal immigrants with clean records and who have graduated high school if they were brought to the United States as children.