Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, sir. I have a question. I am a foreigner and i have student Visa. Is it possible for me to join Marines? I love Marines so much. Thank you.

ANSWER: Ami,
Not with a student visa.  You must have a "Green Card" and you must have a valid amount of time left on it in order for you to complete an enlistment.  Generally the term "Green Card" refers to permission to become a permanent resident of the U.S.  The "Green Card" is no longer green anymore; it can be white, pink or multi-colored.  It is called a Green Card because prior to 1978 all immigrant visas had a green color, thus the nickname "Green Card."

Non-US Citizens cannot apply to become an officer, no matter what.

Also, if you served in another country's military, you cannot join the US military afterwards.

Once in the U.S. military, troops get special preference when applying for Citizenship.  Unlike the Civilian world, the process is much faster, because if you do not have your citizenship by time your term of enlistment is up, you will not be allowed to reenlist.

Contact the Immigration And Naturalization Service for more details about green cards and citizenship.
Colonel H

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much sir. Oh, BTW, i haven't serve in another country's military. Sir, which do you think i should do first? Contact a recruiter or go to USCIS? Thank you again.

Answer
Ami,
You should definitely go to USCIS first.  You can start by looking at their web site:  http://www.immigrationdirect.com/

After you have begun the application for a green card, the see a USMC recruiter.  Tell him your intentions, so he can save time and have everything ready when you do receive your green card.
Good luck,
Colonel H