ASYLEES AND SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION

WHAT IS SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION?

Registration is a way the Government of the United States keeps a list of names of men from which to draw in case of a national emergency requiring rapid expansion of our Armed Forces. By registering all young men, Selective Service ensures that a future draft will be fair and equitable. 

All males in the United States between 18 and 26 years of age are required to register for the draft. Asylees are not exempt. 

Failure to register may have implications for asylees when he applies to become a U.S. Citizen. Information about the Selective Service can be found at www.sss.gov. 

Important Questions Regarding Selective Service Registration:

I am applying for U.S. Citizenship. When do I need to get a status information letter from Selective Service?

You only need to get a status letter if you did not register and are age 26 to 31. No letter is required if you are age 31 or older. If you are under age 26, you must register before you turn the age of 26. 

Virtually all men must register with Selective Service. The exceptions to this rule are very few and include: non-immigrant men on a valid student, visitor, tourist, or diplomatic visas; men on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces; and cadets and midshipmen in the Service Academies and certain other U.S. military colleges. All other men must register upon reaching age 15 (or before age 26, if entering and taking up residence in the U.S. when already older than 18).   

Complied By: Tennyson Watson-Joyner, The Professional's Asylee Travel Guide 

Tennyson Watson-Joyner is a foreign born U.S. Legal Asylee, read for a Bachelors of Science Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a major in Travel, Tourism and Entertainment Management. Future aspirations to work in the Travel/Airline Industry. I successfully navigated the U.S. immigration system. 

The information contained in "The Professional Asylee Travel Guide" is provided for informational purposes only. Opinions expressed are the authors alone, for International Travel with a U.S. Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571) , use links attached for visa free destinations as listed by the consulate of each country that offers the same to asylees and permanent residence whose was granted the same as a result of asylum. If you have a criminal record, Speak to an attorney-at-law prior to your departure.