Expedited Naturalization of Aliens and Noncitizen Nationals Serving in an Active-Duty Status During the War on Terrorism

This executive order designates the period beginning September 11, 2001 as an armed conflict period under immigration law, making noncitizen service members on active duty eligible for expedited naturalization without the usual residency and other requirements. The designated period will continue until ended by a future executive order.

Federal Register Open PDF 67 FR 45287

Impact dates

Date TBD
Period termination to be designated by future Executive Order
Sep 11, 2001
Retroactive start of designated armed conflict period for naturalization eligibility

Key directives

Designate September 11, 2001 as start date for armed conflict period under INA §329
Make active-duty service members during this period eligible for statutory exception to naturalization requirements
Defer termination date to future executive order

Timeline

Immediate

Expedited naturalization eligibility takes effect retroactively to September 11, 2001

Near term (90d)

Military and immigration agencies implement processing for eligible service members

Long term

Continued eligibility until future EO terminates the designated period; eventual need for termination order

Risks & tensions

Open-ended period creates administrative uncertainty; no sunset mechanism specified
Retroactive to 9/11/2001 but signed 7/3/2002—potential backlog and processing challenges
Vague on implementation details; relies on existing INA §329 framework without procedural specifics