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S.2840, which passed both the Senate and the House (now waiting for the President’s signature) provides for accelerated processing of naturalization applications for U.S. military personnel.

The key features of the bill include: 1) establishing an office of FBI liaison in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which will accelerate FBI clearance of naturalization applications for military personnel, and 2) establishing a 6-month time line for processing such applications.

Currently, there is no “accelerated docket” for processing naturalization applications filed by members of U.S. Armed Forces or their families, although, generally, these applications take less time than other naturalization applications. Nonetheless, this creates a time table for action.

This is particularly important for families of U.S. military personnel, and here is why. Generally speaking, U.S. military personnel currently on active duty can apply for naturalization at any time, regardless of their immigration status in the U.S. Spouses, children or parents of U.S. military personnel can apply for immigration benefits, but timing is everything for them. If the family members apply before the military person becomes a U.S. citizen, they are facing long waiting lines. Once the military spouse/child/parent is a U.S. citizen, however, their beneficiaries can typically receive immigration benefits and work authorization within a relatively short period of time. If the military member is deceased, the family members can apply for posthumous citizenship and receive immigration benefits after citizenship is granted to the deceased. The processing times of citizenship applications are therefore critical to the family’s ability to live, work or receive education in the United States. Creating a time table for the processing lifts a huge burden off the shoulders of our military personnel and their families.

USCIS provides a wealth of information on military naturalizations. Here is a list of useful resources:
USCIS hotline: 1 877 CIS 4MIL (1 877 247 4645)
USCIS website on military personnel: www.uscis.gov/military
USCIS fact sheet on citizenship through the military
USCIS information on naturalization abroad for military personnel and their families
Overseas naturalization eligibility for certain children of U.S. military personnel
Form N-400, application for naturalization
Form N-426, application for certification of military or naval service
Form N-400K, for children who reside abroad and claim U.S. citizenship based on parentage