A new law in the United States will automatically enroll eligible men in the Selective Service, putting them in a database for potential recruitment in the event of a national emergency or major armed conflict, reported Telemundo.
The president Donald Trump signed the December 18, 2025 National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026, which includes this historic provision: transferring the responsibility of individual registration to the Selective Service itself, through integration with existing federal databases.
Until now, registration with the Selective Service was legally mandatory, but it had to be done manually by each individual.
With the new regulation, the federal government will directly assume that responsibility, and men will be automatically registered within 30 days after turning 18, receiving a written notification.
The implementation is scheduled for December 2026, according to the Strategic Plan of the Selective Service 2026-2030.
It is essential to clarify that registering for the Selective Service does not equate to enlisting in the Armed Forces nor does it imply active recruitment.
Military service in the United States has been voluntary since 1973, when mandatory conscription was abolished, which had been in effect during the Vietnam War.
The registration places men in a database that would only be activated for recruitment if the Congress and the president authorize it in the event of a national emergency.
The requirement to register applies not only to U.S. citizens but also to legal immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, parolees, and even undocumented immigrants between the ages of 18 and 25 residing in the country.
This is especially relevant to the Cuban and Latino community in general.
Failing to register for the Selective Service is a serious federal offense that can result in fines of up to $250,000 and up to five years in prison.
Non-compliance can also block access to federal student financial aid, government employment, and the possibility of obtaining U.S. citizenship.
The measure was sponsored by Democratic Representative Chrissy Houlahan, who emphasized the savings in costs and resources that the automation of the process will create.
The annual operating cost of the Selective Service is approximately $30 million.
The Selective Service sent a rule proposal to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on March 30, 2026, which was under review as of April 9.
The process will include data matching algorithms and mechanisms for those who qualify for exemptions to contest their automatic enrollment.
In 2023, 98% of the registrations for the Selective Service were already automatic or electronic, making the new law the final step in a transition that has been underway for years toward a fully centralized system.
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