Military Service and Immigrant Legal Status

One method often proposed to regularize immigration status or grant citizenship is service in the U.S. military. Criteria for expedited naturalization are outlined by the U.S. government. In the past, during wartime, military service has contributed to expedited citizenship, including during World War II. There are several other factors too, including humanitarian reasons, severe financial loss, service in a nonprofit organization, and immigration errors. Legislative proposals have suggested creating a pathway to citizenship, particularly in the various incarnations of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act).