Consequences of Failing to Register for Selective Service
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What are the potential legal penalties for knowingly and willfully failing to register with Selective Service?
It is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000, imprisonment for up to 5 years, or a combination of both. However, prosecutions are rare.
How does failing to register affect eligibility for federal student aid?
Men who were required to register but did not are ineligible to receive federal student loans or grants for college, such as Pell Grants and Stafford Loans.
Can a man who failed to register get a job with the federal government?
No. Failing to register makes a man ineligible for most U.S. federal government employment and job training programs.
How can failing to register impact a man's application for U.S. citizenship (naturalization)?
It can be grounds for denial of the citizenship application. The applicant may be found to lack the 'good moral character' required for naturalization.
For a citizenship application, what must a man who failed to register prove to USCIS?
He must prove that his failure to register was not 'knowing and willful.' He must show that he was unaware of the requirement or did not intentionally avoid it.
What is a 'Status Information Letter' from the Selective Service?
It's an official letter that states whether a man was required to register and if he did. An applicant for naturalization who failed to register will need this letter.
How can an applicant obtain a Status Information Letter?
By submitting a request form on the Selective Service website (SSS.gov). The applicant will need to provide details about his background and why he believes he failed to register.
In addition to the Status Information Letter, what else should a citizenship applicant provide to explain his failure to register?
He should submit a sworn personal affidavit (a written statement) explaining in his own words the reasons why he did not register with the Selective Service.
How does an applicant's age affect the 'good moral character' issue related to not registering?
If the applicant is 31 or older, failure to register is generally not a bar to citizenship because it occurred outside the 5-year statutory period for establishing good moral character. For men ages 26-31, it is a significant hurdle.
