Selective service
registration for Naturalization Applicants:
Background:
Since 1980, all men between the ages of 18 and 26 have been required
to register for Selective Service. INS can deny naturalization to men
who knowingly and willfully do not register when they are required to
do so.
Different district offices seem to interpret this regulation more strictly
than others. Most likely INS would consider it a knowing and willful
failure to register if they have a copy in your file of an INS warning
that was signed at the American consulate of the applicant's native
country during the process of obtaining an immigrant visa, or one that
was signed in the US in the process of adjusting to permanent resident
status.
Registering for Selective Service is quick and simple. You can pick
up a card at your local post office, or register on-line (www.sss.gov.)
If you've already registered, but can't find your registration number,
call: (847) 688-6888. Tell them your social security number and date
of birth, and they will give you your registration number.
What if you came to the US before you were 26,
but you never registered? If you are a male between the ages of
· 18 and 26: register now!
· 27-31: attempt to register anyway. Selective Service will send
you notification that you are too old to register, but at least you
can show INS proof that you were willing to register. You will need
to explain why your failure to register on time was not "knowing
and willful."
· 32 or over: unless you have other major problems with your
application, INS will normally only take into account your actions in
the previous five years.
