Uncle Sam calling: US to offer citizenship to foreigners joining military

Congressman Pat Ryan, alongside his West Point classmate Congressman John James, has introduced the bipartisan ‘Courage to Serve Act.” The bill creates a pilot program that would provide an expedited path to citizenship for qualified and vetted migrants who serve in the military.

The legislation addresses two challenges facing the United States: an influx of migrants looking to work, build a better life for their families, and contribute to the country, as well as a recruitment crisis within the ranks of the Armed Forces.

“I know it firsthand – there’s no higher honor than serving your country in uniform. If folks dare to raise their right hand, swear an oath to protect and defend this nation and put their lives on the line, then they sure as hell deserve the opportunity to become an American citizen,” said Congressman Pat Ryan.

“Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed serious threats to national security due to recruiting challenges in the military. In fact, in 2022, the Army missed its recruiting goal by 25%. To combat this concerning trend, and give heroic and America-loving immigrants a chance to gain citizenship, I am proud to sponsor the Courage to Serve Act.

Immigration is both an economic and moral imperative and giving specific America-loving immigrants who want to serve the country the chance to become citizens is a no-brainer. Some of the heroes Pat and I served with in Iraq were immigrants, and I can’t think of a more deserving person to become an American citizen than immigrants who are willing to serve in our military,” said Congressman John James.

The “Courage to Serve Act” creates a pilot program that would allow a qualified and vetted set of migrants to receive an expedited path to citizenship in exchange for military service, provided they:

Successfully complete multiple background checks conducted by both USCIS and FBI;
Are admissible to the United States, and;
Otherwise eligible for enlistment in the Armed Forces.

Last year alone, the expected recruiting personnel shortfall was 10,000 in the Army, 10,000 in the Air Force, and 6,000 in the Navy. Overall, the DoD acting Undersecretary of Personnel and Readiness said that during fiscal year 2023, the military services collectively missed recruiting goals by roughly 41,000 recruits, leaving critical positions unfilled, putting our nation’s national security at greater risk.