Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen,
I wanted to make you aware of this DoD news article published yesterday that may be of interest to you and your respective members and constituents:
DoD Aims to Advance Citizenship Education
You may be aware that on February 2, 2021, President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14012, "Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans."
In achieving these goals, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS) developed an Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization. See: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/reports/Interagency_Strategy_for_Promoting_Naturalization_Final.pdf.
As part of that strategy, an Interagency Naturalization Working Group was created, which DoD, along with the other federal departments, is a member. With that, DoD will be working in the months ahead with USCIS to raise awareness of the naturalization process and to assist military members and families seeking naturalization.
In that vein, I would like to also draw your attention to this specialized section of the USCIS website with information and resources for members of the military and veteran community seeking naturalization for themselves or members of their family. This webpage highlights the most recent and current policies and procedures for Service members, veterans and families: https://www.uscis.gov/military/military
Please feel free to share this information and resource links with your respective members and constituents. And as always, please let me know if you have any questions about this topic and I will work with our subject matter experts to provide a response.
Very best wishes to all and many thanks for all you do.
David L. Nokes Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs/Community Engagement The Pentagon