Military Service with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals(DACA)

Hey everyone, I currently have DACA. Does anyone know which military branches would accept me? Feeling a bit lost here.

Hello!

It's important to know that the options for individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) exploring military service can be somewhat limited. As of now, the United States Armed Forces, which encompasses the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force, generally require enlistees to be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents— the exception being the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program.

The MAVNI program allows certain non-citizens in the United States to join the military and thereby gain eligibility for U.S. citizenship. However, it's worth noting that the MAVNI program has been put on hold and isn't currently accepting new applicants. And even when it was, the eligibility requirements were stringent, and it was only open to individuals who had been residing in the U.S. legally for at least two years and had particular language or professional healthcare skill sets.

Currently, individuals with DACA status are also not eligible for the ROTC, the Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

It's also worth stating that if your DACA is allowed to lapse or is revoked, joining the military could potentially expose you to the risk of deportation.

It's clear that the situation is complex and it's recommended to reach out to an attorney who specializes in immigration law to better understand your options. Meanwhile, continue focusing on your education and gaining skills that would serve you well, irrespective of the path you end up taking.

It's certainly an uncertain situation, but please don't lose heart. I'm hopeful that legislative changes in the future will provide more clear-cut paths for DACA recipients to serve in the military, if that's what you're passionate about.