The U.S. Army and Navy are now offering recruits a way to start the
process of obtaining U.S. citizenship during basic training. This new
feature involves changing the military’s no-visitors policy during boot
camp, so that federal immigration officials can assist recruits in
obtaining citizenship. The military notes that only legal immigrants
can apply for citizenship via this route, and they must complete five
years of honorable service as part of the process.
After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, then President
George W. Bush signed an executive order that would allow for a
speeding up of the citizenship process for military recruits. Prior to
this change in process, members of the military were required to serve
one year of honorable service prior to being able to apply for
citizenship.
