More Koreans are obtaining U.S. citizenship through military enlistment, with a 23% increase since the pandemic, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Over the past five years, 1,360 Korean nationals have naturalized through military service.
Koreans Rank Among Top 10 in Military Naturalization
Between 2020 and 2024, Koreans ranked 10th among foreign-born service members who obtained U.S. citizenship. The top five nationalities were:
- Filipinos – 5,630
- Jamaicans – 5,420
- Mexicans – 3,670
- Nigerians – 3,270
- Ghanaians – 2,190
Among Asian enlistees, Koreans were the fourth-largest group, following Filipinos (5,630), Chinese (2,010), and Vietnamese (1,400).
According to USCIS, approximately 16% of all military naturalizations in the past five years involved individuals from South Korea, Vietnam, Cameroon, China, and Haiti.
23% Increase in Korean Military Naturalization
During 2020-2021, 480 Koreans became U.S. citizens through military enlistment. By 2023-2024, that number had increased to 590, marking a 23% rise.
Sergeant Lee Hyeong-Min, a U.S. Army recruiter based in Los Angeles, explained that enlistees typically begin the citizenship process immediately after joining. He stated, “In Koreatown, interest in military enlistment remains steady. With expanded benefits, more Koreans are expected to enlist.”
Why Koreans Are Choosing Military Enlistment
Recruiters report that many Koreans enlist for immigration stability and career opportunities. Rising costs of living in California have also influenced enlistment decisions.
According to Sergeant Lee, the U.S. Army will increase base pay by 14.5% in April, making military service a more attractive option.
Military Naturalization Hits Record High in 2024
Military naturalizations have risen over the past five years:
- 2020: 4,570
- 2021: 8,800
- 2022: 10,690
- 2023: 12,150
- 2024: 16,290 (34% increase from 2023)
The 2024 figure marks the highest military naturalization total in five years.
Enlistment Age Limit and Military Benefits
The U.S. military allows enlistment up to age 42. Over the past five years, 32.5% of naturalized service members were between 31 and 42, showing that nearly one in three enlistees joined later in life.
Former U.S. Air Force member Seo Kyung-Woon (44) emphasized the advantages, saying, “Citizenship can be obtained within two to three months after enlistment. Immediate family members can also fast-track their green card process.”
Married service members can live off-base and receive housing allowances, making enlistment appealing during economic hardship.
Extensive Military Benefits for Enlistees
Military service offers significant benefits, including:
- Full tuition coverage
- Enlistment bonuses up to $65,000
- 100% medical insurance
- Pension plans & 401(k) contributions
- Housing & meal allowances
- 30 days of paid annual leave
- Military-exclusive home loan programs
- Free access to national parks & various discounts
- Monthly earnings exceeding $6,000 for college graduates (including base pay, housing, and meal stipends)
Majority of Military Naturalizations Occur in the Army
Between 2020 and 2024, the U.S. Army accounted for 60% of all military naturalizations, followed by:
- Navy: 10,690
- Air Force: 5,580
- Marines: 3,440
- Coast Guard: 200
Korean-Language Military Recruitment Contacts
- U.S. Army Enlistment (Korean Support): (213) 550-7208
- U.S. Navy Enlistment (Korean Support): (805) 574-3100
BY YEOL JANG [jang.yeol@koreadaily.com]
