An idea for allowing residency

What would you guys think if we decided to make anyone who wants to be a resident of our country serve some time in our army? I think that if this were how things go, it would help both our nation and the people attempting to become a part of our nation. I don't think I've ever heard the idea raised before by anyone else (though I'm sure it has been.)

How would you react? What would you think about it?