When I was in the army in the Sixties non-citizens from other countries expected their service was a way to expedite US citizenship. Was that my misunderstanding?
You were correct; your fellow soldiers had a very real legal basis for that expectation. During the 1960s, the U.S. was in a "period of hostilities" that significantly eased the path to citizenship.
Under Section 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the "Vietnam Hostilities" period was designated from February 28, 1961, to October 15, 1978.
How Citizenship Was Expedited in the Sixties
Because you served during this designated wartime period, the standard rules were drastically changed for non-citizens:
- Zero Residency Requirement: While civilians typically had to live in the U.S. as permanent residents for five years, soldiers serving during this time could apply for citizenship immediately.
- Waiver of Physical Presence: They did not have to prove they had been physically present in the U.S. for any specific length of time before applying.
- Age and Fees: Requirements regarding minimum age were waived, and federal naturalization fees were often exempted for those serving during these dates.
- Basic Requirements Still Met: They still had to demonstrate good moral character, basic English skills, and knowledge of U.S. history, as well as receive an Honorable Discharge.
Why "Awarded" vs. "Expedited" Matters
The common confusion, then and now, is that citizenship was never "awarded" automatically as part of the discharge paperwork. A soldier still had to proactively file a petition (Form N-400) and take the Oath of Allegiance. If a soldier didn't know they had to file the paperwork, they could leave the Army after years of service and still technically be a non-citizen.
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