In the United States, young people between 18 and 25 years old, both male citizens and immigrants, face the obligation to register with the Selective Service System (SSS) if mandatory military service is reinstated. This current regulation directly affects tens of thousands of Dominicans in that age group residing in the northern country.
সভ্যতাThe SSS operates as a contingency plan for serious conflicts that exceed the capacity of the volunteer army. Although the U.S. has not implemented the draft since 1973, current tensions, such as the conflict with Iran, keep the possibility alive. Failing to register constitutes a federal crime: up to five years in prison and fines of $250,000, in addition to blocking student aid, public jobs, and federal benefits.
Who must register among young people between 18 and 25 years old?
- Male citizens and immigrants, including the undocumented, permanent residents, and asylum seekers.
- Excludes women, although a Senate bill seeks to include them.
- Exempt: active-duty personnel, military cadets, tourists, severely disabled individuals, chronically hospitalized persons, clergy, and diplomats.
Young people between 18 and 25 years old with religious objections must register, but can request an exemption in the event of activation. Historically, the last mass draft occurred during Vietnam, mobilizing 2 million men between 1964 and 1973, according to Department of Defense archives.
Current debates on military service and young people between 18 and 25 years old
Proposal to include women
The recent National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) generated controversy. The Senate Armed Services Committee is pushing to register women, while the House opposes it. Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, confirmed that President Trump avoided the draft due to a medical condition. Any change requires bicameral approval.
Experts like military analyst Lawrence Korb, former assistant secretary of defense, warn that a modern draft would face generational resistance. SSS statistics indicate 15 million registered men currently, with compliance rates of 98% among Hispanics, including Dominicans.
Impact on the Dominican diaspora
For Dominican young people between 18 and 25 years old in New York and other centers, this implies reviewing immigration status and preparing. The SSS facilitates online or mail registration, free and fast. In contexts of global tensions, like those of 2026 with Iran, the issue gains urgency. Organizations like the Dominican American National Roundtable urge community education to avoid penalties.
This outlook underscores the responsibility of young people between 18 and 25 years old: to stay informed and comply to protect their educational and professional future in the U.S.
