Marshallese Advised of New Streamlined Naturalization for Members of US Military
Information of a newly published amendment in U.S. naturalization procedures could be useful to both Marshallese on active U.S. Armed Forces military duty and for Marshallese veterans, especially those interested in U.S. citizenship. Released January 19, 2010, by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the final rule serves to expedite and streamline the citizenship process for men and women serving in America's armed forces.
In the publication announcement, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano said the rule formalizes the longstanding policy to expedite citizenship for Service men and women.
"The foundation of our national security is the patriotic service and extraordinary sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces. Expediting the citizenship process for service members reflects our commitment to honoring those who come from all over the world to serve our country and become its newest citizens."
The rule amends DHS regulations to conform to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2004, reducing the time requirements for naturalization through military service from three years to one year for applicants who served during peacetime.
Service members who have served honorably in an active-duty status or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve for any time since September 11, 2001, can file immediately for citizenship.
The rule also eliminates the requirement for members of the military to file biographic information forms (Form G-325B) with their naturalization.
According to the Federal Register release, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has been applying these statutory amendments since the law was enacted on November 24, 2003, and this final rule updates the regulations to reflect these amendments.
With the rule, there will be a reduction of "unnecessary paperwork" and the "response burden" required with a naturalization application.
The rule went into effect February 18, 2010.
The USCIS website can provide more information on USCIS and its programs available to the military.
- Yokwe Online, March 7, 2010
