Can International Students Join the Army?

According to an article in the New York Times, foreign students are allowed to enlist in the United States Army. Although students must have been in the United States for at least two years, joining the Army is one way to gain American citizenship.

Significance

• As of 2009, the U.S. Army has been stretched thin due to conflicts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In an attempt to bolster reserves, the Army began allowing immigrants who live in the United States on temporary visas the chance to enlist.

Benefits

• According to the New York Times, foreigners who enlist in the Army could become American citizens in six months. However, the program will remain small -- accepting only 1,000 enlistees as of 2009 -- with the hope of expanding if deemed successful.

History

• The Army offered a similar deal to foreign students during the Vietnam War. However, between the end of that conflict and 2009, the Army did not accept foreigners in its ranks.