Can DACA Recipients Join the Military?
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was introduced in 2012 by the Obama administration to provide temporary protection and work permits to certain young immigrants who entered the United States illegally or overstayed their visas. The program was aimed at allowing these individuals, known as "Dreamers," to pursue their education, work, and lives in the United States without fear of deportation. But can DACA recipients join the military? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question.
Can DACA Recipients Join the Military? The Answer is Yes!
Contrary to common misconception, DACA recipients are eligible to join the military. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) allows eligible non-citizens to serve in the military, including those with DACA status. In 2017, the Trump administration rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, but in 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the DACA program must be reinstated.
Why Join the Military as a DACA Recipient?
There are several reasons why DACA recipients may want to join the military:
- Pursue Citizenship: Joining the military can be a pathway to obtaining U.S. citizenship. Certain military branches and roles require citizenship, while others allow non-citizens to serve.
- Gain Work Experience: Military service provides valuable work experience, skills, and training that can be transferable to civilian life.
- Education Benefits: The military offers education benefits, such as the Montgomery GI Bill, which can help cover education expenses.
- Leadership Opportunities: The military provides opportunities for leadership development, teamwork, and camaraderie.
Eligibility Requirements
To join the military as a DACA recipient, you must meet certain eligibility requirements:
- Age: You must be between 17 and 35 years old (25 years old for the Coast Guard) to join the military.
- Education: You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to enlist in the military.
- Physical Fitness: You must meet the military’s physical fitness standards.
- Citizenship: You must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) or a U.S. citizen.
- Security Clearance: You must be eligible for a security clearance, which involves a background check.
Military Branches Open to DACA Recipients
The following military branches are open to DACA recipients:
| Branch | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Army | Requires a high school diploma and U.S. citizenship within 8 years of enlistment. |
| Navy | Requires a high school diploma and U.S. citizenship within 8 years of enlistment. |
| Air Force | Requires a high school diploma and U.S. citizenship within 6 years of enlistment. |
| Marines | Requires a high school diploma and U.S. citizenship within 5 years of enlistment. |
| Coast Guard | Requires a high school diploma and U.S. citizenship within 7 years of enlistment. |
Steps to Join the Military as a DACA Recipient
If you are a DACA recipient and interested in joining the military, follow these steps:
- Contact a Military Recruiter: Reach out to a military recruiter and express your interest in joining the military. They will guide you through the enlistment process.
- Get a Military Physical: Complete a physical fitness test and meet the military’s physical fitness standards.
- Get a Security Clearance: Submit to a background check and obtain a security clearance.
- Pursue Citizenship: Apply for U.S. citizenship or explore alternative pathways to citizenship.
- Enlist: Once you meet the eligibility requirements and complete the enlistment process, you will be sworn in as a member of the military.
Conclusion
In conclusion, DACA recipients can join the military, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. Joining the military can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, offering opportunities for education, work experience, and leadership development. While the enlistment process can be complex, the potential benefits make it worth pursuing. If you are a DACA recipient and interested in joining the military, start by contacting a military recruiter and exploring your options.
