A social media post by immigration attorney Kinda Melissa Velloza is drawing attention to a significant change in how the United States handles Selective Service registration, particularly for immigrants living in the country.
In a recent video, Velloza warned that beginning in December, eligible males ages 18 to 25 will be automatically registered with the Selective Service System, the federal agency responsible for maintaining records that could be used in the event Congress and the president authorize a military draft.
“While the draft is not currently active, all males between the ages of 18-25 regardless of immigration status will automatically be registered,” Velloza wrote alongside the video.
During her remarks, the attorney emphasized that the policy extends beyond U.S. citizens.
“Green card holders, refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented immigrants too will be added to the draft,” she said.
The Selective Service System currently requires most male U.S. citizens and many male immigrants between the ages of 18 and 25 to register. However, the new policy would automate the process rather than relying on individuals to register themselves.
Velloza noted that there is currently no active military draft in the United States. The country has operated an all-volunteer military force since 1973, and any future draft would require congressional authorization and presidential approval.
Still, she argued that the policy deserves attention, particularly from immigrant communities.
“Imagine leaving your country, trying to come to the United States to build a life here, trying to survive immigration stress already, and now the government could automatically place you into a military draft system, unknowingly and unwillingly,” she said.
The attorney acknowledged that some critics may dismiss concerns because no draft currently exists, but she maintained that global developments make the issue relevant.
“With everything that’s happening globally right now — wars, political tensions, countries preparing for the unknown — of course we’re going to read deeper into this,” Velloza said.
She encouraged immigrants to stay informed about federal policies that could affect them.
“Immigrants especially need to pay closer attention to policies like this to understand what they’re up against,” she said.
The issue highlights the often-overlooked relationship between immigration status and Selective Service requirements. Under existing federal law, many non-citizen males residing in the United States are already legally required to register, including lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, and certain undocumented immigrants.
Failure to register can carry consequences, including potential impacts on eligibility for federal employment, student financial aid, and, in some cases, future naturalization processes.
While the prospect of a military draft remains hypothetical, Velloza’s comments have sparked renewed discussion online about civic obligations, immigration policy, and the rights and responsibilities of non-citizens living in the United States.
Legal experts, however, emphasize that automatic registration does not mean a draft has been reinstated. Rather, it changes how eligible individuals are entered into the Selective Service database should a future national emergency require mobilization.
