- Thread starter
- #41
WRONGlets ask "The Google "
AI Overview
No, an undocumented or "illegal" immigrant cannot serve in the U.S. military, as enlistment is limited to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents (Green Card holders)
. To join the military, non-citizens must have a Green Card and be legally authorized to work in the United States, in addition to speaking English fluently.
on-citizens
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are eligible to enlist.
- Undocumented immigrants generally cannot legally join the U.S. military or be drafted (under current law).
- So, when people talk about “immigrants serving,” they’re referring to non-citizens who are here legally.
2. Why some veterans still get deported
- Service in the U.S. military does not automatically grant citizenship.
- Immigrants who serve are eligible to apply for expedited naturalization, but many never complete the process—often due to paperwork errors, lack of legal help, or miscommunication.
- If those veterans later commit certain crimes (especially aggravated felonies or drug offenses), they can be deported under immigration law even after honorable service.
3. Common scenario
A non-citizen veteran:
- Serves honorably, but never finalizes citizenship.
- Gets convicted of a deportable offense (for example, a drug-related crime).
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) initiates removal proceedings.
