Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Edward L. Kobobel | Wasp command citizenship representative 1st Class Mathias Aigbomian, Aviation...... read more read more
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CARIBBEAN SEA — Sailors aboard amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) are taking advantage of the recent changes to the Immigration and Nationality Act to become U.S. citizens. The changes to sections 328 and 329 of the INA make it easier for qualified military personnel to become U.S. citizens if they choose to file a naturalization application.
"The program is important for Sailors that may be interested in filing an application to become a U.S. Citizen because it is cost free for active duty service members," said 1st Class Mathias Aigbomian, Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling), the command citizenship representative onboard Wasp. "For a Sailor [who is not a U.S. citizen] who may want to cross-rate to a rating that requires a U.S. citizenship, this process will help them out a great deal."
Aigbomian filed for citizenship in 2003 while he was stationed aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) out of Japan. His application process took approximately six months.
"For me to apply at that time I had to be serving honorably on active duty for at least three years. The application process cost me $310," said Aigbomian.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services created a streamlined process specifically for military personnel serving in an active-duty status or who have recently been discharged.
Applicants must complete three required forms: the N-400 'Application for Naturalization,' form N-426 'Request for Certification of Military Service,' and form G-325B 'Biographic Information'.
"The applicant should contact the command citizenship representative for information in understanding the process and filling out the citizenship application forms," said Aigbomian.
According to Aigbomian, the process can take three to six months to complete, and placed emphasis on thoroughly completing forms before submission. Incomplete forms are returned by the USCIS, causing substantial delays in the application process, he said.
Logistics Specialist Seaman Wendy Argueta of Wasp's S-8 division is currently one month into her application process.
"[The application process has] been pretty easy. ABH1 Aigbomian sends in all the copies, you just show up for finger printing and he lets me know what's going on with the papers and the process," said Argueta, a native of El Salvador.
In October 2004 additional benefits to service members took effect. These benefits included no fees to be charged when filing for naturalization and the naturalization process was made available to overseas members of the armed forces at U.S. embassies, consulates and where practical, at military installations abroad.
"If I was in the civilian sector it would take a long time and a lot of money. Since I'm in the Navy, it's given me a lot of opportunities and the chance to become a citizen," said Argueta.
Once Wasp returns from its current deployment, Argueta will be able to complete the process and USCIS will notify her of the date to take the oath of allegiance.
More naturalization information can also be found by visiting the Immigrations Service's Web site www.uscis.gov.
Wasp and the Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force are working alongside Mayport-based Destroyer Squadron 40 during a three month deployment to build and instill interoperability and cooperation between U.S. and partner nation naval forces through a variety of exercises as part of Southern Partnership Station.
| Date Taken: | 10.30.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 10.30.2009 23:01 |
| Story ID: | 40883 |
| Location: | USCENTCOM, AT SEA |
| Web Views: | 464 |
| Downloads: | 373 |
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