Can Illegal Immigrants Join the U.S. Military in 2025?

Key Takeaways

• Illegal immigrants cannot enlist in the U.S. military as of July 2025; only citizens and Green Card holders may join.
• ICE directive June 2025 considers military service to reduce deportation risks but does not change enlistment eligibility.
• Legal immigration status is required to enlist; illegal immigrants must adjust status before applying to join the military.

As of July 2025, there have been no changes to the rules about who can join the U.S. military. Illegal immigrants are still not allowed to enlist in the U.S. military. This update explains what has changed (or not changed), who is affected, what the current rules are, and what steps people should take if they want to serve or support a family member’s military career. It also looks at the effects on pending applications and what the future might hold for those hoping for a path from undocumented status to lawful permanent residency through military service.

Summary of What Changed

There have been no new laws or policies in 2025 that allow illegal immigrants to join the U.S. military. The main update is a new directive from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in June 2025, which says that military service by noncitizens or their immediate family members can be considered when making decisions about immigration enforcement. However, this does not change the basic rule: only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) can enlist in the military.

Who Is Affected by the Current Policy

• U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents: These groups remain eligible to join the military.
• Illegal immigrants (undocumented immigrants): Still not eligible to enlist.
• DACA recipients, TPS holders, asylum seekers, and visa holders: Also not eligible to join.
• Family members of military personnel: Some may benefit from special programs that help them adjust their status, but this does not apply to all undocumented immigrants.

Effective Dates

• The current rules are in effect as of July 14, 2025.
• The ICE directive about considering military service in enforcement decisions was issued in June 2025.

Required Actions for Those Interested in Military Service

If you are an illegal immigrant and want to join the U.S. military, you must first get legal immigration status. This usually means becoming a lawful permanent resident (getting a Green Card) or, in rare cases, adjusting your status through special programs if you have close family members in the military.

Here are the main steps for those interested:

1. Check your current immigration status. Only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can enlist.
2. Explore legal pathways to adjust your status. This might include family-based petitions, asylum, or special programs like Parole in Place (PIP) for certain military families.
3. Consult with a qualified immigration attorney. They can help you understand your options and avoid scams or misinformation.
4. If you are eligible, apply for lawful permanent residency. You can find the official Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
5. Once you have lawful permanent residency, contact a military recruiter. Bring proof of your status when you apply.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you are an undocumented immigrant with a pending immigration application, you still cannot join the military until your status is approved and you become a lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen. The military will not make exceptions for those with pending applications, even if you are close to getting your Green Card.

If you are a family member of someone in the military and you are applying for Parole in Place or another status adjustment, you must wait until your status is officially changed before you can enlist. The ICE directive may help reduce your risk of deportation while your application is pending, but it does not guarantee protection or change your eligibility for military service.

Detailed Policy Overview (2024-2025)

Eligibility Requirements for Military Enlistment

• U.S. citizens: Eligible to enlist in all branches of the military.
• Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders): Eligible to enlist.
• Conditional Green Card holders: Eligible to enlist.
• Undocumented immigrants (illegal immigrants): Not eligible to enlist.
• DACA recipients, TPS holders, asylum seekers, visa holders: Not eligible to enlist.
• Military family members with Parole in Place: May be eligible if their status is adjusted to lawful permanent residency.

ICE Policy on Military Service Consideration

In June 2025, ICE issued Directive 10039.2, which says that military service by noncitizens or their immediate family members can be considered as a positive factor in immigration enforcement decisions. This means that if you or a close family member has served in the U.S. military, ICE may be less likely to detain or deport you. However, this does not change the rules about who can join the military.

ICE Acting Director Tae D. Johnson stated that the agency values the contributions of noncitizens who have served, but the directive does not change enlistment eligibility. It only affects how ICE might handle deportation or other enforcement actions.

Recruitment Trends and Military Needs

The U.S. Army and other branches have been successful in meeting their recruitment goals for 2025. The Army Recruiting Command reported that by mid-year, they had already signed up 59% of their target for the year and expected to exceed their goal of 61,000 new soldiers. The military continues to focus on recruiting qualified candidates who meet all legal requirements.

Immigrants who are legally eligible to serve are seen as valuable, especially if they have special language or medical skills. However, current policies do not allow illegal immigrants to join, no matter how much the military might need their skills.

Historical and Policy Context

The U.S. military has a long history of allowing lawful permanent residents to enlist. In some cases, military service has helped immigrants become U.S. citizens faster. However, there has never been a legal way for undocumented immigrants to join the military.

There have been efforts in Congress to change this, but none have succeeded. The Trump administration, and its Project 2025 immigration plan, supports stricter enforcement and does not support expanding military enlistment to undocumented immigrants. The Biden administration has not made any changes to these rules as of July 2025.

Practical Implications for Illegal Immigrants

• No direct path to enlistment: If you are an illegal immigrant, you cannot join the U.S. military directly.
• Possible indirect benefits: If you have a close family member who is serving or has served in the military, ICE may consider this when deciding whether to take enforcement action against you. This could reduce your risk of deportation, but it does not make you eligible to enlist.
• Need for legal status: If you want to serve, you must first become a lawful permanent resident. This usually requires a family-based petition, asylum, or another legal process.

Expert Perspectives and Stakeholder Positions

• ICE leaders say they value the service of noncitizens but must follow the law about who can enlist.
• Military recruiters focus on meeting their goals with people who are legally eligible.
• Immigration law experts confirm that only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can join the military.

Future Outlook and Anticipated Developments

There are no signs that the rules will change soon. No new laws or policies are being considered in 2025 that would allow illegal immigrants to join the U.S. military. Political debates about immigration reform and military enlistment continue, but nothing concrete has been proposed or passed.

ICE may continue to use military service as a positive factor in enforcement decisions, but this does not mean that undocumented immigrants will be able to enlist in the future.

Summary Table: Who Can Join the U.S. Military in 2025?

What Should You Do If You Are an Illegal Immigrant Interested in Military Service?

• Do not try to enlist while undocumented. You will be turned away, and you could risk drawing attention to your immigration status.
• Look for ways to adjust your status. Talk to an immigration attorney about your options. Some people may qualify for family-based petitions, asylum, or special programs for military families.
• If you have a family member in the military, ask about Parole in Place (PIP). This program may help you get legal status if you are the spouse, parent, or child of a U.S. service member. You can learn more about PIP on the USCIS Parole in Place page.
• Stay informed about policy changes. Immigration laws and military policies can change, so check official sources like the U.S. Department of Defense and USCIS for updates.

Key Takeaways for Immigrants, Families, and Employers

• Immigrants: Only those with lawful permanent residency or citizenship can join the U.S. military. Illegal immigrants must adjust their status first.
• Families: If you have a family member in the military, you may have special options to adjust your status, but you cannot enlist until your status is changed.
• Employers: If you employ immigrants who are interested in military service, remind them that only those with legal status can apply.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

If you want to learn more about military enlistment requirements, visit the U.S. Army’s official enlistment page. For immigration status questions, the USCIS website provides up-to-date information and official forms.

If you are applying for lawful permanent residency, use the official Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Do not use unofficial websites or pay for forms that are free on the government site.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that while the military values the skills and dedication of immigrants, current laws keep illegal immigrants from joining. The focus remains on recruiting those who are already legally eligible, and there are no signs of this changing soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can illegal immigrants join the U.S. military if they have special skills?
No. Even if you have rare language or medical skills, you must have lawful permanent residency or citizenship to enlist.

Does military service by a family member help an illegal immigrant get legal status?
Not directly. However, some family members of service members may qualify for programs like Parole in Place, which can help them adjust their status.

If I have a pending Green Card application, can I join the military?
No. You must wait until your application is approved and you have lawful permanent residency.

What happens if an illegal immigrant tries to enlist?
They will be turned away and may risk being reported to immigration authorities.

Are there any exceptions for DACA recipients or TPS holders?
No. DACA and TPS do not make someone eligible to enlist in the military.

Conclusion and Immediate Next Steps

As of July 2025, illegal immigrants cannot join the U.S. military. Only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are eligible. If you are undocumented and want to serve, your first step is to adjust your immigration status through legal channels. If you have a family member in the military, ask about special programs that might help you get legal status. Always use official government resources and consult with a qualified immigration attorney before taking any steps.

Stay up to date by checking the USCIS military page for the latest information on military service and immigration. This will help you make informed decisions and avoid common mistakes.

Remember, while military service is a respected path to citizenship for some, it is not open to illegal immigrants under current law. Focus on legal ways to adjust your status if you hope to serve in the future.

Learn Today

Lawful permanent resident → A non-citizen authorized to live and work permanently in the U.S., often called a Green Card holder.
ICE Directive 10039.2 → A June 2025 policy considering military service when making immigration enforcement decisions, not changing enlistment rules.
Parole in Place → A special immigration status allowing military family members to stay legally in the U.S. without deportation risk.
DACA → Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program protecting some undocumented immigrants from deportation but without enlistment eligibility.
Form I-485 → An official USCIS application to register lawful permanent residency or adjust immigration status in the U.S.

This Article in a Nutshell

As of July 2025, only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can enlist in the military. Illegal immigrants remain ineligible. ICE’s new directive considers military service in enforcement but doesn’t alter enlistment rules. Prospective enlistees should pursue legal status first to serve or support military family members effectively.
— By VisaVerge.com