The draft

Myself and my son are over here on a spousal visa. I just realized my son will be 18 in March and if we were living in the US he would need to register for the draft. Does he still have to do that we're we are living here and if he does how do we do it?

Thanks,
Lynn

I just realized my son will be 18 in March and if we were living in the US he would need to register for the draft.

Good lord, they still do that?

I didn't know the answer myself but was wondering whether selective service was still a thing too and I guess so: https://www.sss.gov/Registration-Info/Who-Registration

Good lord, they still do that?

When I was living in the US as soon as I became a green card holder the INS kindly registered me for the draft without me knowing (I didn't know it was a requirement). I got the card in the mail as a surprise. Then a short while later 9/11 happened and John McCain was on TV saying a draft could not be ruled out.

However the INS did me a massive favor. Failing to register for the draft is a failure of good character and means you can't apply for citizenship until a few more years have passed (have to have so many years of good character).

So, "yeay" for the INS.... I guess....

Yes, the Selective Service still exists, but right now it's just registration and no actual draft (and won't be unless legislation authorizing such is enacted).

"What Happens If You Don’t Register

If you are required to register and you don’t, you will not be eligible for federal student aid, federal job training, a federal job, or U.S. citizenship. You may be prosecuted and face a stiff fine and/or jail time."


True or not?

https://www.usa.gov/selective-service

Thanks everyone. I have done some digging and he can register online or at an embassy. So at least I know what to do now. Hopefully never need the draft.

Lynn

Am I right in thinking that girls are supposed to have to register soon, as well? 

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Am I right in thinking that girls are supposed to have to register soon, as well?

Nothing official yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if there was a change to the law in the near future. Also, since the male-only draft was originally upheld by SCOTUS based on that females couldn't serve in combat, with the change to allow females in combat that now makes the law vulnerable to a constitutional challenge. (By default a strike-down would end registration altogether unless Congress acts.)

Women do not need to register for SS. 

My son is 21 and we've lived here since he was 16.  Will he really be fined or jailed for not registering?  He knows nothing about it and I simply did not think about it until just now!

My son is 21 and we've lived here since he was 16.  Will he really be fined or jailed for not registering?  He knows nothing about it and I simply did not think about it until just now!

Theoretically yes, but no one has in recent years (and unlike for example FBARs willful failure has to be proven here).