Why US Citizenship Isn't Required To Be Drafted Into War As Tensions With Iran Continue

As tensions involving Iran continue to dominate headlines, rumors have started circulating online about whether the United States could bring back the military draft if a larger conflict were to happen.

Right now, those claims remain speculation. There has been no announcement that the United States plans to reinstate conscription for military service.

Even so, the country still maintains the framework for a draft through an existing registration system.

The last time the United States actually required young men to join the military through a draft happened during the Vietnam War.

Although no draft has taken place since the Vietnam era, renewed global tensions have caused some people to worry that conscription could return.

Part of the confusion comes from the fact that the United States still requires certain individuals to register with the Selective Service System.

Many people assume this rule only applies to American citizens. However, that is not completely accurate.

So how does the system actually work, and who is required to register?

The US still has a draft in place, though it hasn't activated in decades ALI AL-SAADI/AFP via Getty Images

Under current law, most men living in the United States between the ages of 18 and 25 must register with the Selective Service System.

This registration does not mean someone will immediately be drafted. Instead, it places their name into a system that could be used if the government ever needed to activate a draft during a national emergency.

Failing to register when required can lead to serious consequences. In some cases, it may result in felony charges and other legal penalties.

Because of this, many people wonder exactly who must register with the Selective Service System.

Surprisingly to some people, the requirement is not limited only to U.S. citizens.

The rule applies to nearly all men living in the United States who fall within the 18 to 25 age range. This includes immigrants, refugees, and people seeking asylum.

The official Selective Service System website addresses this question directly in its frequently asked questions section.

It asks whether undocumented males must register and provides the following explanation: "Yes. All undocumented males 18 through 25 years of age, other than those admitted on non-immigrant visas, must register, whether or not they have a green card."

Men aged 18-25 have to register Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The website also explains why the system still exists even though a draft has not occurred in decades.

According to the agency, maintaining the registry plays a role in national preparedness.

The site states: "Registration with Selective Service must continue as a key component of our national security strategy."

Even though registration is required, certain circumstances may allow someone to receive an exemption if a draft were ever activated.

For example, members of the clergy or men studying to enter the ministry may qualify for an exemption under specific conditions.

Another exemption can apply to sole surviving sons in families where every other brother has died.

There are also situations involving "only sons" that may qualify someone for protection from being drafted.

Other exemptions apply to individuals who are temporarily visiting the United States on certain types of visas.

This includes people in the country on student visas, diplomatic visas, visitor visas, or tourist visas. In other words, someone visiting the United States on vacation or participating in a student exchange program would not be drafted.

Individuals already serving on active military duty are also exempt from the draft system.

Cadets or midshipmen enrolled at U.S. service academies are excluded as well, and some military colleges also fall under similar exemptions.