The US government has clarified a procedure that many people outside the country might not be entirely aware of by outlining the requirements for foreign nationals to enlist in any branch of the US military.
The official US government website states that not all foreign nationals are eligible to enlist.
Applications are only accepted from people who are lawful residents of the United States and possess a current Alien Registration Card, also referred to as a Green Card.
Not just the Army, but all branches of the military are subject to the obligation.
Requirements non-citizens must meet to enlist
According to the official website:
“Only foreign nationals who are lawfully residing in the United States and have an Alien Registration Card (INS Form I-151/551, also known as a “Green Card”) issued by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services are eligible to enlist in any branch of the U.S. military. Candidates must speak, read, and write English fluently, be between the ages of 17 and 35, and fulfill the physical, moral, and mental requirements for enlistment.”
The main conditions that a non-citizen must meet to be eligible for enrollment are outlined below:
- Green Card and legal residency: The applicant must possess a current Green Card issued by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services and be a lawful resident of the United States.
- Age: Candidates must be between the ages of 17 and 35.
- English fluency: All non-citizen applicants must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.
- Physical fitness: Applicants must fulfill the physical requirements specified by the branch of the military they wish to enlist in.
- Mental fitness: As part of the enlistment screening procedure, candidates must also fulfill mental fitness requirements.
- Moral fitness: Each applicant’s moral character is evaluated and must satisfy the requirements for military service.
What this means for non-citizens
Although the walkway is open, it has distinct bounds. These regulations do not apply to foreign nationals residing in the United States on temporary visas or without proper documents.
The enlistment process can only be started by people who have permanent legal standing in the nation, as shown by their Green Card.
Legal permanent residents have historically been permitted to serve in the US military, and in certain situations, doing so may lead to full citizenship, but that is covered by different immigration regulations.