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U.S.
non-citizens and dual nationals are required by law to register
with the Selective Service System.* Most are also liable for
induction into the U.S. Armed Forces if there is a draft.
They would also be eligible for any deferments, postponements,
and exemptions available to all other registrants.
However,
some aliens and dual nationals would be exempt from induction
into the military if there is a draft, depending on their
country of origin and other factors. Some of these exemptions
are shown below:
- An alien who has lived in the U.S. for
less than one year is exempt from induction.
- A dual national whose other country
of nationality has an agreement with the U.S. which specifically
provides for an exemption is exempt from induction.
- [Some countries have agreements with
the U.S. which exempt an alien national who is a citizen
of both that country and the U.S. from military service
in the U.S. Armed Forces.] An alien who requests and is
exempt under an agreement or bilateral treaty can never
become a U.S. citizen, and may have trouble reentering
the U.S. if he leaves.
- An alien who served at least a year
in the military of a country with which the U.S. is involved
in mutual defense activities will be exempt from military
service if he is a national of a country that grants reciprocal
privileges to citizens of the U.S.
During
a draft, any claims for exemptions based on any of the above
categories would be granted or denied by a man's Local
Board.
Military
examiners make the final decision about who will be accepted
into the military.
*Note:
Currently, aliens cannot volunteer for the U.S. military unless
they have permanent resident alien status.
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