#ThisWeekInHistory on April 7, 1917, the U.S. declared war on Germany. Nearly one in five draftees was foreign-born. For their service, Congress passed laws to expedite their citizenship, leading to more than 300,000 naturalizations by #ServiceMembers and #Veterans. #USCISHistory pic.twitter.com/5DSs8ZQAD8
— USCIS (@USCIS) April 12, 2024
In 1917, the United States entered World War I, joining the fight against Germany. As the nation geared up for war, a surprising demographic made up a significant portion of the military draft: immigrants. Nearly one in five draftees were foreign-born, men who had come to America seeking a new life and were now ready to defend their adopted country.
These “immigrant doughboys,” as they were nicknamed, faced a unique situation. They were fighting for a nation that wasn’t quite theirs yet. Recognizing their bravery and sacrifice, Congress took a groundbreaking step. New laws were passed to expedite the citizenship process for foreign-born soldiers. This meant quicker processing times, reduced residency requirements, and even ceremonies held at military bases.
This shift in policy reflected a changing perception of immigrants in America. Prior to the war, there had been some prejudice and suspicion towards newcomers. However, the patriotism and dedication of immigrant soldiers helped break down these barriers. Over 300,000 immigrants took advantage of these streamlined procedures, officially becoming U.S. citizens.
#ThisWeekInHistory on April 7, 1917, the U.S. declared war on Germany. Nearly one in five draftees was foreign-born. For their service, Congress passed laws to expedite their citizenship, leading to more than 300,000 naturalizations by #ServiceMembers and #Veterans. #USCISHistory pic.twitter.com/5DSs8ZQAD8
— USCIS (@USCIS) April 12, 2024
This episode in American history highlights the complex relationship between immigration and patriotism. It’s a story of immigrants who fought for a country they weren’t born in and a country that, in return, embraced them as citizens.
Our free guide has an overview of the naturalization benefits to which non-citizen military members are entitled. It also contains some background information and important facts you’ll want to know about becoming a U.S. citizen.
Our free guide provides an overview of the special immigration benefits available for non-citizen military members. Don’t try to navigate the complicated USCIS immigration system alone. A simple mistake or missed deadline can cause your application to be delayed or denied. Instead, an immigration lawyer who has experience working with military members can answer your questions and help you achieve your American Dream.
When you’re ready to hire an immigration attorney, Mario Godoy and the experienced immigration lawyers at Godoy Law Office offer assistance in immigration matters, including naturalization, family-based visas, green cards and deportation defense. If you need help with an immigration issue, please contact our office or call us at 630-345-4164.
Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.
