An applicant for U.S. citizenship through naturalization must show that he or she has been and continues to be a person attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States. In other words, the applicant should actively support the Constitution with a strong degree of conviction. Afterall, the Constitution is cornerstone law that grants Americans certain freedoms. Therefore, failing to register for Selective Service can adversely affect the application's good moral character requirement for the naturalization process.
Although there is no military draft in the United States, men between the ages of 18 and 26 are expected to register for the Selective Service. Refusing or knowingly and willfully failing to register for Selective Service negates an applicant's disposition to the good order and happiness of the United States, attachment to the principles of the Constitution, good moral character, and willingness to bear arms on behalf of the United States.
Table of ContentsThe U.S. does not have a drafted military; the decision to join the military is entirely voluntary. The Selective Service maintains a list of names in case there is a national emergency requiring rapid expansion of the armed forces. Therefore, registering for the Selective Service System does not mean you are joining the military.
According to U.S. law, a man must register with Selective Service within 30 days of his 18th birthday. Selective Service can accept a late registration but not after a man has reached his 26th birthday. This requirement applies to citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and even undocumented immigrants. It does not apply to women or foreign nationals in the United States with nonimmigrant status (e.g. tourists, students, business, etc.). Visit their website for a detailed look at Who Must Register. In general, the following persons must register:
Individuals may register for Selective Service at their local post office, return a Selective Service registration card received by mail, or online at the Selective Service System website. Confirmation of registration may be obtained by calling 1-847-688-6888 or going online to sss.gov.
"The Selective Service System has not now, or in the past, collected or shared any information which would indicate a man's immigration status, either documented or undocumented. The Selective Service System has no authority to collect such information, has no use for it, and it is irrelevant to the registration requirement. Consequently, there is no immigration data to share with anyone."
