Hi :)
I posted this question in both the immigration and the military forum because my question is kinda part of both categories.
My name is Drew and I came the United States when I was 6 years old. I grew up in US and I joined the U.S. Marine Corps when i was 18 years old. I have been a permanent resident for a 14 years, and I've been a Marine for 2 of them. Until recently I never bothered to become an official citizen because it wasn't a priority. Now I think I would like to become one, but I'm not sure how to go about it. I was planning to talk with my CO but it's currently 0200 where I am. I tried reading up on the USCIS website, but I don't really know how to find the information I'm looking for. I was told that since I'm a member of the U.S. military my process to become a citizen will take less time. Is this true? Anyways, Any information somebody could provide me would greatly be appreciated
Thx
2007-01-26 08:30:57 · 7 answers · asked by Leatherneck 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
Good News, Young Marine, God Bless You...
Members of the Armed Forces may apply for naturalization under a streamlined process established by sections 328, and 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) under section 328. If the service member has served honorably for one or more years is a lawful perminate resident, and is filing as an applicant for naturalization while still in the service or within 6 months of being discharged, he or she is eligible for US Citizenship...
It is all in the following web site www.visaus.com/citizen.html
Good Luck, Marine, Semper Fi .....
No I wasn't a Marine, I was in the US Navy (Destroyers)
2007-01-26 09:13:29 · answer #1 · answered by Edward C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You may not understand the importance of becoming a citizen. Dont put it off any longer. My dad was just like you 30 years ago. He was in the Marines and didnt know that he had to do the paperwork to be a citizen. Back then he was assumed that if you served your country you automatically beca,e a citizen. Not the case. He recently found out 3 years ago that he was never a citizen. He has a misdemeanor on his record and according to Immigration Laws they have different rules as far as degree of crime. They changed it into a felony and deported him. So he cant come back until the laws change. He regrets not knowing he wasnt a citizen because things would be different if he knew that back then. He would be here. You need to contact someone from the VA and get info from them. Dont waste anymore time. This is important. You'd be surprised that serving your country you get no help from them when things come down. Good luck
2007-01-26 09:29:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You've already been a permanent resident for 14 years, so you could become a citizen now regardless of the fact you're a marine.
For people who have recently come to the U.S., the waiting time to become eligible to apply for citizenship is shorter if you serve in the armed forces. However, you've already had your green card for several years so it won't really matter in your case.
You just need to file in the district office serving your area - but if you're overseas I'm not sure if there is a way to do it. You may have to wait til you're back in the states.
2007-01-26 08:39:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think I already answered this a day or two ago for you, but just in case here it is again: There are special provisions for people like you, and here is all the information. Look at the 3 links on the right of this page, too:
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=92f596981298d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=d6f4194d3e88d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD
2007-01-26 13:26:54 · answer #4 · answered by dognhorsemom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it is faster to become a U.S. citizen when ur in the military. I remember when my husband went to Iraq they had a quick ceremony for the guys who were becoming U.S. citizens before they left. And do make a plan to talk with your CO.
Good luck!
2007-01-26 08:41:38 · answer #5 · answered by c_sosa29 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thank you, thank you, thank you. You have a wonderful record and seem like a model person. I have heard that citizenship is quicker for those servicing in the armed forces. Thank you again for serving what soon will be officialy Your Country.
2007-01-26 09:28:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why did you want to join the Marines?
2007-01-26 08:38:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋