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EO 12582Executive OrderReagan · R

Executive Order 12582

Naturalization requirements exceptions for aliens and non-citizen nationals of the United States who served in the Grenada campaign

This executive order designates the October 25 to November 2, 1983 period as qualifying 'period of military hostilities' for expedited naturalization under 8 U.S.C. § 1440. It enables aliens and non-citizen nationals who served honorably in the Grenada campaign to apply for citizenship without meeting standard naturalization requirements such as residency duration.

52 FR 3395
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Key directives

  • Define Grenada campaign hostilities period as October 25, 1983 to November 2, 1983
  • Declare eligible persons as those serving honorably in active-duty status during this period in the Grenada campaign
  • Specify qualifying geographic locations: Grenada, Carriacou, Green Hog, adjacent Atlantic islands, airspace above Grenada, adjacent seas, and Grantly Adams International Airport in Barbados

Timeline

Immediate

  • EO effective upon signing; eligible veterans may begin applying for expedited naturalization

Near term (90d)

  • USCIS (then INS) to process applications referencing this EO designation

Long term

  • No sunset; permanent statutory exception for this defined cohort

Risks & tensions

  • Narrow beneficiary pool limits structural impact
  • Geographic scope ambiguity: 'adjacent' islands and seas not precisely delineated; potential for individual adjudication disputes
  • No implementation guidance or agency directive specified in text
Executive Order 12582: Naturalization requirements exceptions for aliens and non-citizen nationals of the United States who served in the Grenada campaign · Executive Orders