The Defense Department has declared that the American armed forces are going to keep on accepting foreign enlistments. The Trump administration will also proceed with adherence to a traditional policy that gives recruits and their family members naturalization for their military service. Lt. Col. Myles Caggins from The Defense Department states, "Today's military enlistments are qualified for citizenship by an official order from July 2012.
All armed forces have worked with the USCIS to speed up processing times for military staff to be naturalized. Federal law guarantees that permanent residents serving in this time of need will receive early citizenship."
Caggins also noted that there are no plans to modify the initiative or discontinue it.
Trump's views on immigrants and the military
President Trump has been a powerful supporter for reinforcing the military. He has also revealed his intents to end the movement of undocumented aliens into the U.S.. However, he has yet to openly present a decisive viewpoint on the immigration policy regarding foreigners in the armed forces.
The nearest Trump has come to addressing the subject was last year on September 7. Amid a discussion forum, he was questioned by a woman who serviced in the military. She wanted to know if he believed that an immigrant staying in the America illicitly that wants to serve in the armed forces should be permitted to stay in the country.
Trump responded to the woman’s question with,"I believe if you serve in the military, that is extraordinary and I can view myself working that out, yes."
Military statistics
Based on to DoD records, 5,000 lawful foreigners are enlisted each year into the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest Program. The average number of them on active duty from 2010 to 2016 was estimated to be about 18,700.
The USCIS built the Naturalization at Basic Training Initiative in August 2009 with the Army to present enlistments the option to naturalize when they finish basic training. The Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps all followed suit with the same policy by 2013. In the past year, 359 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals beneficiaries, also known as "Dreamers," were recruited into the Army. This is the only armed force division that currently allows this immigrant group.
Caggins said,"Concerning naturalization, the choice to become a U.S. resident is an individual's choice and each branch gives help to all servicemen looking for citizenship." According to the USCIS, more than 109,000 ladies and servicemen have naturalized through 2015.The real list of immigrants who have sacrificed in defense of America remains unsurmountable.
Enlistment requirements for permanent residents
Alex Nowrasteh, the Cato Institute’s expert on immigration policy, declared trainees must furnish an immigration status to register with the military. He said the military will not take any person that possesses zero documentation. With that being expressed, Nowrasteh honorably proclaimed that the military is a great alternative for citizenship. That is if the individual acknowledges the risks and responsibility.