The majority of Filipinos in the Navy are unable to avail themselves of the benefits of 8 U.S.C. 1439. even though they may be qualified in all other respects. because they are enlisted in the U.S. Navy within the territorial jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines under the terms of the military base agreement between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines of March 14. 1947. and have not first been admitted to the United States for permanent residence. As a result. they are enlisted without having acquired an immigrant visa and obtain no immigrant status of any kind. All other aliens who want to serve in this countrys Armed Forces must enlist in the United States after having been admitted for lawful permanent residence. At present the Navy is the only branch of the service which uses the authority granted under the United StatesPhilippines Military Base Agreement.
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immigrant visa