Unable to enlist due to INS delays, running out of time.

What is the name of your state? Florida

I am a Dutch/Canadian citizen. I have been living in the United States since 1998 although I have spent some time abroad between then and now. I have been married to a US citizen since 2000 and have 2 five and a half year old american children.

I have long wanted to join the USAF, having learned to fly at age 14 just over the border when the first gulf war broke out. My father in law was a 24 year veteran who flew F-4's in Vietnam. My problem is that I am now almost 24 years old and still do not have a green card because of endless runarounds from the INS. I've finally gotten myself a good immigration lawyer and my greencard is now in sight. Unfortunately my lawyer estimates it will take at least 3 more years, at which point I will be over the enlistment cutoff age of 27. Is there anyway I can enlist while my greencard is pending? I know the obvious answer is a flat no, which is what I'd imagine any staff sgt recruiter would tell me but would an exception be possible with aced ASVABs and other shows of excellence/dedication?

I spent 2.5 years working for the Defence Criminal Investigative Service when I was pretty much an illegal alien. My services were useful and they had managed to pull all kinds of strings to allow me to live and work in the US. Surely the airforce can have a similar influence if a 300 man agency can do it?

I know of people who've managed to join the airforce without even having a GED while the USAF claims they will accept nothing less than a HS diploma because they knew the right people. Who do I need to speak to?

Many many thanks to anyone who might be able to help me realize my dreams.

Sincerely,

Greg

Thanks Paridise for pulling together this answer. There is an additional factor for all branches of the military involved with flight especially piolets, that is vision, and sometimes one may not wear glasses. This is another reason for the age restriction, because as people age their vision becomes affected, so if you add 20 years to 27, at 47 most people begin to or have significant vision problems, so why pay lots of money to train someone only to have a flight restriction placed a few years later?

I appreciate the answer. I'm well aware that the military cannot help me with immigration nor do I expect it to. As far as qualifications I am certainly more than qualified and in perfect health. I will be a US citizen as soon as the INS allows. I am simply looking to serve in the USAF and time is running out. I don't consider it as a regular job and am well aware of the implications. I have over half a dozen friends in the military, 2 of them navy seals and have no Illusions that it's easy. I've been actively preparing for service in the USAF for over a year now only to be told I would probably be unable to serve due to paperwork.

A different branch may give you the time you need.

True. I've considered the Navy but the 6 month cruises might be very hard on my children, especially my autistic daughter. I wouldn;t be satisfied with some sort of administrative non-combatant position. Just seems like such a shame to have to wait for years to serve in the country's time of need.

Found the answer. It's the I-551, which you get in your passport while your greencard is pending. It is sufficient for enlistment.