Law Office of Bonnie Stern Wasser
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Expedited Naturalization for Members of the Military
The following is intended as general information only and not legal advice. It is not meant to establish and attorney/client relationship.
Following President Bush's Executive Order No.13,269 of 2002, more than 4,614 members of the military on active duty in Iraq and elsewhere have become new US citizens through expedited naturalization. Swearing in ceremonies have been conducted for new citizens in Baghdad, Rome and other locations abroad. US citizenship can be important for members of the military returning to the US in order to receive certain government benefits. Despite the risk of dangers inherent in war, immigrants in the military seek to become US citizens so they can earn money for education, serve their country, learn a skill and get promoted within the military ranks. In addition, US citizenship helps many to qualify for certain military or other work-related security clearances. They are able to sponsor family members faster as US citizens than they can while they have lawful permanent residence (LPR) status, which often makes their sponsored relatives subject to long term delays due to quotas. An LPR with a pending application on behalf of a spouse or child automatically upgrades that petition to a faster category upon being sworn in as a US citizen. Finally, US citizenship involves taking an oath of allegiance to the United States thereby establishing ultimate loyalty to our country.
For service men and women stationed abroad, they should contact their Designated Point of Contact (DPC) to help them get the appropriate papers prepared. DPCs can be found as follows:
- ASIA/PACIFIC: Requests for processing in Japan, Korea and other parts of East Asia, Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands and Australasia, should be submitted by email to USCIS Seoul at: CIS.Seoul@dhs.gov;
- EUROPE/MIDDLE EAST/AFRICA or SOUTH and NEAR ASIA: Requests for processing in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or South Asia should be submitted by email to USCIS Rome at: Rome.Natz@dhs.gov;
- LATIN AMERICA/CARIBBEAN: Requests for processing in Latin America or the Caribbean should be submitted by fax to USCIS Mexico City at: +52 555 080 2326.
Once sworn in as a US citizen, service men and women should contact their families and private or JAG attorneys to start or complete the process of sponsoring relatives. This is especially critical to family members living abroad or to those family members who may be illegal in the US or waiting in the quota.
Immigrants who have served in other military conflicts in history may also be eligible for naturalization under more liberal residence requirements than most immigrants are required to meet. In addition, there are provisions to become naturalized posthumously. In a separate article, posthumous immigration of relatives of deceased service personnel will be discussed.
For more information, contact the Law Office of Bonnie Stern Wasser (206)282-2279; email: bonnie@bswasserlaw.com; website: http://www.bswasserlaw.com.
