Can you have dual citizenship in the US and be in the military?

Can you have dual citizenship in the US and be in the military?

Current US policy goes further. Further, the current policy statement on foreign military service recognizes that dual citizens sometimes find themselves legally obligated to participate in the military forces of their other country of citizenship, and can do so in such situations without endangering their US status.

Can you be a foreign national and a U.S. citizen?

The concept of dual nationality means that a person is a national of two countries at the same time. U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one nationality or another. A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to his or her U.S. citizenship.

Can non US citizens enter the military?

To join the U.S. military, non-citizens must be living permanently and legally in the United States. Non-citizens must also have permission to work in the United States, possess an I-551 (Permanent Residence Card), have obtained a high school diploma and speak English.

Do you lose your military retirement if you become a citizen of another country?

Neither is retired pay forfeited upon becoming a citizen of a foreign country, and/or entry in the armed forces of a foreign country, provided that country is not one engaged in hostile military operations against the United States.

How can a foreigner join the US military?

You cannot join the military from a foreign country – you must become a permanent U.S. resident, AKA a green-card holder. In the past enlisting with a green card has been a fast track to full citizenship, but as of February 2018, the rules are in flux.

Can dual citizens be military officers?

Officers. Unlike enlisted personnel, officers in the United States military must be U.S. citizens and U.S. citizens alone. If an officer candidate has a dual citizenship, then he must renounce it in order to receive an officer’s commission.

What happens to your Social Security if you become a citizen of another country?

Generally speaking, if you have qualified for Social Security by working and paying into the program for 40 quarters, then you will be eligible to collect benefits as an expatriate and retire in a foreign country.

Is there anything the US can do about foreign military service?

Although the United States recognizes the problems that may be caused by such foreign military service, there is nothing that we can do to prevent it since each sovereign country has the right to enact its own laws on military service and apply them as it sees fit to its citizens and residents.

Can a foreign born service member apply for citizenship?

As of 2017, Department of Defense policy changes to how foreign-born service members may apply for U.S. citizenship while serving may impact the time it takes for you to apply for citizenship. Here is a step-by-step guide for how the naturalization process typically works for foreign-born service members.

How to become a US citizen after military service?

Attend an oath naturalization ceremony to take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become a U.S. citizen, if USCIS approves your Form N-400. This could occur on the same day as your interview or be scheduled for a future date. Dependents of service members and veterans may also be able to apply for U.S. citizenship.

When does military service in a foreign country cause loss of nationality?

Military service in a foreign country is not an expatriating act if service is as a soldier who is not an officer, unless the foreign military is engaged in hostilities with the United States. Further, foreign military service usually does not cause loss of nationality since an intention to relinquish nationality normally is lacking.