There are lots of Mexicans in particular that are not citizens yet but are waiting for their papers. What happens is you have to apply for citizenship and then you can join. Joining pushes your paperwork faster than for normal people. If you don't intend to become a citizen or you don't apply, you won't be eligible for military service.
As far as officer programs go, you must be a US citizen. Since they are generally more responsible for US personnel and equipment than enlisted guys, there is more of an imperative that you have more "investment" in your country. Similarly, there are levels of enlisted rates that you can't achieve before getting your US citizenship because you wouldn't want a Gunnery Sgt or CPO that is a non-citizen running a department of 400 US citizens ... that's kind of wonky.
Look at the requirements for government service: I believe that naturalized citizens can become representatives or senators, but the president had to be born as a US citizen. It is all about not allowing foreign nationals too much power in our government and military.
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