At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we honor the sacrifices of military service members and their families by offering comprehensive immigration services tailored to their unique needs. Whether you or your loved ones are stationed in the United States or deployed overseas, our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the complex immigration system with care, expertise, and efficiency.

Our mission is to provide you with the stability and security you deserve, so you can focus on serving your country and supporting your family.

Foreign Nationals in the U.S. Armed Forces: Immigration Considerations

Military service has long been a pathway for foreign nationals to contribute to the defense of the United States while addressing their immigration needs. At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we specialize in providing legal guidance to foreign national service members, veterans, and their families to ensure their sacrifices are recognized and their rights are protected.

Who Can Serve in the U.S. Armed Forces?

Enlistment and appointment in the U.S. Armed Forces are generally limited to:

  • U.S. Citizens and U.S. Nationals
  • Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)
  • Residents of certain Pacific Islands (Freely Associated States)
    In certain cases, the Department of Defense (DOD) may authorize enlistment of other categories of foreign nationals under specific programs, such as the now-suspended Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI)

Legislative Developments and Policy Issues

Recent legislative measures have sought to address key immigration issues for foreign national service members and veterans, including:

  • Expanding Enlistment Eligibility: Proposals to include Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and other non-U.S. nationals in military service eligibility.
  • Removal Protections: Efforts to mitigate the removal of foreign national service members, veterans, and their families, including enhanced oversight of removal proceedings and pathways for deported veterans to return and regularize their status.
  • Opposition to Expansion: Concerns raised regarding the enlistment eligibility of foreign nationals and the return of veterans with serious criminal offenses.

Foreign Nationals in the Military: Key Statistics

As of February 2024:

  • Over 40,000 foreign nationals serve in active and reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces.
  • Approximately 115,000 foreign nationals residing in the U.S. are veterans who previously served on active duty.

Naturalization Through Military Service

Foreign national service members have long been eligible for expedited naturalization under special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The requirements differ based on service during:

  • Peacetime: Minimum one year of honorable service with specific residency and physical presence requirements.
  • Hostilities: No minimum service duration and no residency or physical presence requirements.

Potential Removal of Foreign National Veterans

Despite their service, foreign national veterans who have not naturalized as U.S. citizens may face removal from the United States. Concerns include:

  • The deportation of veterans and its impact on military readiness.
  • The threat of deportation to immediate relatives of service members, which may pose challenges to military families.

The Immigrant Military Members and Veterans Initiative (IMMVI)

In response to these issues, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched the Immigrant Military Members and Veterans Initiative (IMMVI) in 2021. This initiative includes:

  • Facilitating access to naturalization for veterans residing abroad, including those who have been removed.
  • Offering immigration parole to deported veterans to return to the U.S. for legal services and access to benefits.
  • Implementing policies to protect the immigration status of immediate relatives of service members.

How NSLF Can Help

At National Security Law Firm, we are dedicated to assisting foreign national service members, veterans, and their families in navigating the complexities of military immigration law. Whether it’s naturalization through military service, protection from removal, or reuniting deported veterans with their families, our experienced team is here to fight for you.

Our Areas of Practice

We handle a wide range of military immigration services, with dedicated pages to address your questions and concerns in detail. Explore our key areas below:

1. Citizenship and Naturalization

We help military service members and their families navigate the path to U.S. citizenship, including:

2. Green Cards and Adjustment of Status

We assist service members and their families in securing permanent residency through:

3. Fiancé and Family Visas

Reunite your family with our expert assistance in fiancé and family-based immigration:

4. Survivor Immigration Benefits

We provide compassionate guidance to surviving family members of service members:

5. Discretionary Immigration Options

Explore unique immigration options for military families, including:

6. Additional Blogs and Educational Resources

Empowering you with knowledge about military immigration processes:

Fees and Financing for Military Immigration Services

At National Security Law Firm, we believe in transparency and affordability. Our flat fees ensure that you understand the costs involved upfront, and our flexible financing options make high-quality legal services accessible to all military families. Below, you’ll find an overview of our pricing for each of our key military immigration services:

  • Naturalization Through Military Service: $1,995
  • Citizenship for Families: $1,995
  • Fiancé Visas: $2,500
  • Green Cards/Adjustment of Status: $3,995
  • Parole in Place: $1,995
  • Deferred Action: $1,995

To make our services even more accessible, we offer legal financing options that allow you to spread payments over 3 to 24 months. This flexibility ensures that cost does not become a barrier to achieving your immigration goals. Whether you’re navigating naturalization, securing a green card, or bringing your loved ones closer, we’re here to guide you with care, expertise, and efficiency.

Learn more about our financing options here or book a free consultation today. Let us help you secure the stability and security your family deserves.

Why Choose National Security Law Firm?

When it comes to military immigration cases, you need more than a standard immigration attorney. At NSLF, we offer unmatched expertise tailored to military service members and their families:

  • Military Immigration Expertise: Our team includes veterans, former Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers, and government insiders who understand the unique needs of military families.
  • Tailored Solutions: Every case is different, and we create customized strategies to fit your situation.
  • Global Support: Whether you’re stationed in the U.S. or deployed overseas, we can assist you.
  • Free Consultations: Understand your options with no obligation.
  • Flexible Financing Options: Spread legal fees over 3–24 months with transparent, upfront pricing.

Additional Legal Resources

Empower yourself with key statutes, regulations, and guidance that shape military immigration law:

Statutes and Laws

  • Immigration and Nationality Act (INA): Governs U.S. immigration law, including naturalization and family-based immigration.
    • 8 USC §1439. Naturalization through service in the armed forces
    • 8 USC §1440. Naturalization through active-duty service in the Armed Forces during World War I, World War II, Korean hostilities, Vietnam hostilities, or other periods of military hostilities
  • 8 U.S.C. § 1440: Expedited naturalization for service members during designated periods of hostility.
  • 8 U.S.C. § 1439: Naturalization for service members during peacetime.

Regulations

Key Resources

Take the Next Step

Your service to our country deserves recognition and support. Let National Security Law Firm handle the complexities of military immigration law so you can focus on what matters most—your family and your mission.

  • Schedule a Free Consultation: Book now

At NSLF, we are proud to serve those who serve our nation. It’s Our Turn to Fight for You!