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Original Date Announced
September 26, 2025USCIS announces that it revised the Policy Manual so "uncharacterized" discharges from military service on or after August 1, 2024, no longer qualify as military separation under "honorable conditions." That is a required condition for a noncitizen military service-member to naturalize. Based on EO 14148, USCIS also rescinded guidance requiring coordination with CBP to offer naturalization interviews and oath ceremonies for former service-members at ports of entry. Instead, noncitizen veterans outside the U.S. must seek a visa or parole to enter for a naturalization interview.
This update applies to all naturalization applications pending or filed on or after September 26, 2025, and supersedes any related prior guidance.
Trump 2.0 [ID #2006]
2025.09.26 USCIS Policy Alert 2025-22 - Naturalization Guidance for Alien Service Members 2025.09.26 USCIS Policy Manual: Vol. 12 Part I, ch 1-5Effective Date
September 26, 2025Current Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Actions: Agency Directive Change in PracticeSubject Matter: NaturalizationAssociated or Derivative Policies
- October 13, 2017 DOD increases naturalization requirements for military service
- January 20, 2025 EO 14148: "Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions"
- April 10, 2025 ICE issues policy on considering U.S. military service during civil immigration-enforcement actions
- October 3, 2025 Reported: Veterans Affairs ends contract with ICE for processing detainee health services claims
Pre Trump-Era Policies
- August 30, 2025 2025.06.27 USCIS Policy Manual: Vol. 12 Part I, ch 1-5
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
- New Policy
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New Policy
Original Source:
USCIS Policy Manual: Vol. 12 Part I
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Prior Policy
Original Source:
USCIS Policy Manual: Vol. 12 Part I
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