The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS) announced new guidelines that directly impact foreign nationals who have served in the armed forces and seek U.S. citizenship through military naturalization.
These changes, effective August 2024, are intended – according to the Trump administration – to “preserve the integrity of the program.” However, they have also raised concerns about adding more hurdles for immigrant veterans.
What is military naturalization?
Military naturalization is a special benefit under Sections 328 and 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Allows active duty military or foreign veterans to obtain military citizenship on an expedited basis.
Provided their service has been performed under conditions considered honorable.
Main changes in the process
1. Uncharacterized separations no longer count as honorable
As of August 1, 2024, military discharges classified as “uncharacterized” are no longer accepted as honorable to apply for citizenship.
Prior to that date, they could serve as a valid basis.
2. End of interviews and oaths at ports of entry
USCIS no longer conducts interviews and naturalization ceremonies at border crossing points.
This means that foreign veterans must apply for a visa or temporary permit to enter the U.S. and complete the process within the country.
Concern over adding more obstacles for immigrant veterans
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3. Possibility of discharge review
Ex-military members with less than honorable discharges – including some who were separated for refusing COVID-19 vaccination – may request a reclassification of their discharge from the War Department.
USCIS will evaluate these documents to determine if the service was “honorable.
4. Institutional name change
In compliance with Executive Order 14347, all references to “Department of Defense” were replaced by “War Department”.
Impact for immigrant veterans
Buzzy
For many Hispanics who served in the armed forces, these modifications represent new challenges.
The requirement to demonstrate “honorable” service is now stricter, which could leave out those who previously qualified.
In addition, the elimination of ceremonies at ports of entry requires additional travel planning and paperwork.
However, the option of applying for discharge review gives hope to those who faced controversial separations in recent years.
Veterans organizations have already warned that they will support Latino ex-military members in this process.
Changes to U.S. military citizenship seek to raise the program’s standards, but at the same time complicate access for many immigrants who have given years of service to the country.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
