S. 2526: Fight for the American Dream Act

This bill, titled the Fight for the American Dream Act, proposes changes to the laws governing enlistment in the U.S. Armed Forces and the naturalization process for non-citizens serving in the military. Specifically, it encompasses two significant areas:

1. Enlistment of Certain Aliens

The bill seeks to amend existing military enlistment criteria to permit individuals who have been granted employment authorization under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy to enlist in the Armed Forces. This addition allows those who meet specific requirements related to their immigration status to serve in the military, broadening the pool of eligible recruits.

2. Modifications to the Naturalization Process

Additionally, the bill proposes changes to the naturalization process for military service members. Key alterations include:

• Removal of Specific Section: The bill intends to strike a specific legal section that outlines naturalization eligibility related to military service, indicating a modernization of the criteria.
• New Eligibility Criteria: The existing law will be updated to simplify conditions under which military personnel can naturalize, ensuring that service in active duty or reserve status contributes directly to the eligibility for citizenship.
• Expanded Definitions: Various definitions within the bill will be updated to clarify who qualifies for naturalization based on their military service, including individuals from territories and freely associated states.

Overall, the bill aims to facilitate military enlistment for certain non-citizens while streamlining and modernizing the naturalization process for those who serve in the Armed Forces. It addresses both recruitment challenges faced by the military and the citizenship aspirations of non-citizen service members.

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