giggs88

I was wrong in a way, I guess. These days you definetly need a green-card or have be a citizen, but in the 40s they probably took anyone who wanted in.

THL

I suppose I did not look at it from the view point of the US taking in pretty much anyone willing to help us out. I was thinking more of the stance that immigrants posed less of a threat to us in the 40's and so would not have as many restrictions as nowadays.

Thanks!

__________________
"To dream of the person you would like to be is to waste the person you are."-Sholem Asch

"I always turn to the sports page first, which records people's accomplishments. The front page has nothing but man's failures."-Earl Warren

"I didn't intend for this to take on a political tone. I'm just here for the drugs."-Nancy Reagan, when asked a political question at a "Just Say No" rally

"He no play-a da game, he no make-a da rules."-Earl Butz, on the Pope's attitude toward birth control

Gun Grape

We have always allowed non citizens in the military.

A few things to remember, Immigrant tracking at the federal level didn't start until 1940. Prior to that once you were granted entry, you were suppose to report to the nearest courthouse once a year. And also during that time everyone wasn't required to have a SSN. Not all types of jobs were to be covered under the program. One of the reasons that service numbers were issued in the military.

Even now, non citizens that pay into SS cannot recieve funds when they reach retirement age unless they have become citizens.

Sebastian

whatcha wrote makes me feel betta n full of hope

Dutchconnection

I tried to join the Marines 10 years ago and opted out now. My uncle was a Seal as he joined the US NAVY when the rules where not so tight ( That got him into Vietnam) Now with the war in Iraq blazing I want to try again as also the Brit army has advised me im not welcome ( I am a Dutch native and be honoust, that would not be the armed forces to join). so let us know if any one finds a loop hole

chainzaw

i have the same problem.. i'm not after being a citizenship or a greencard holder, i just want to serve in the US military but you need to be one or the other. i've been looking for some options on how to do so but its very difficult..

Dago

First, you must be A permanent resident of the United States. Now, there are two ways you can go about this,

(A) Obtain a Visa and remain in the Country for a said perod of time (through the petition process) while working.

(B) Marry a United States citizen and obtain citizenship.

Dago

You could possibly try obtaining a Visa and seeking a Green Card. I'd assume ties to your uncle would be taken into account.

Zhang Fei

They made it across the border, and then got really good fake green cards. This is how some illegals made it into the US military - it appears that the military's system for checking a person's immigration status is no better than it is in the private sector. Of course, you do need to meet the recruitment standards of the branch that you do decide to join - I understand that the minimum generally involves at least a high school diploma or its equivalent (the GED, which involves taking a test), which you may have to get locally.

Scorpio31

im pretty much in the same situation, wanna join the USMC and i live in the UK

joey2

lol this is weird so many guys posting here with "post 1".
anyways, marryin a american girl and gettin a US green card?

hmm i think rules for Europe and Asia are diff, cuz here even getting a normal green card from US on work permit basis takes 5 years.If dont from your MNC then no problemo.
and even if u marry a girl it takes a year or two.

zraver

from a navy site

Enlistment into the U.S. Navy, or any branch of the U.S. military, by citizens of countries other than the United States is limited to those foreign nationals who are legally residing in the United States and possess an Immigration and Naturalization Service Alien Registration Card (INS Form I-151/551 — commonly known as a "Green Card"). Applicants must be between 17 and 35; meet the mental, moral, and physical standards for enlistment; and must speak, read and write English fluently.

Note: The U.S. military branches cannot assist foreign nationals in obtaining admittance into the United States. Questions concerning immigration to the United States should be asked of the U.S. Embassy. Only after immigration procedures are completed and an applicant is legally residing in the United States may an application for enlistment be accepted.

Furthermore, in order to be commissioned an officer in the U.S. Navy, one must be a native-born or naturalized United States citizen.

The U.S. government agency which is responsible for immigration and naturalization is the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. Their web site is at http://uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm

Updated: 10 February 2006

http://www.navy.mil/navydata/questions/foreign.html

Scorpio31

so basically, if i meet those requirements and have a green card i am eligable to join the USMC?

and to answer a previous comment....this is the only place where an appropriate search result came when i searched about foreigners joining USMC :\

Zhang Fei

Correct. As the previous commenter pointed out, getting hitched to an American girl is probably the quickest way to a green card. If you're going to be in the USMC, you'd probably marry an American girl, anyway. Start hanging out with Americans on your side of the water. Hey, you never know. Also the Marines take people up until they're 35. (For the Army it's until they're 42).

Scorpio31

interesting, im 17...not exactly looking for marriage right now and if truth be told, theres not too many americans in this area...i might have to go hunting for some...