Does anyone NOT want to be a USC?

[bollandista 0]

Hi

So I'm new and I can't help but notice how many people really want to be citizens. Is there anyone here who wants to be an LPR but really couldn't care less about citizenship.

I'm proud to be English and while I want to live with my husband and work here I don't really want to be a citizen. In fact I really don't want to be a citizen. Nothing against America but I'm English. I'm happy to have a green card (well a permanent one) and not vote.

Am I the only one? Am I missing something about the benefits of citizenship?

B.

P.S. As an insight into my personality... I also didn't take my husband's name. Unlikely to take his citizenship.

[sereia 0]

My husband expressed he wasn't interested either. We'll see what happens though!

[Nessa 23]

I wouldn't give up on my brazilian citizenship and couldn't care less for being a US citizen, but I will do it just so I can get a better job. Maybe it doesn't make much difference for other people, but where I live I'd really like to have a decent job here on base and I'm stuck to NAF jobs and every time I see a decent job posting it requires citizenship. So I'll definitely go for it.

I can totally understand why some people don't care. If it doesn't benefit you in any way, why bother you know?

[Krikit 1,164]

Top 10 Benefits of US Citizenship

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

A lot of people don't naturalize. It's very common.

My wife will be naturalizing, however. For reasons similar to Nessa's.

[nane1104 146]

I would love to have a dual-citizenship but Germany does not allow that.

So I will remain a german citizen, specially because my husband and I want dual citizenship for our baby.

Besides that factor, I just can't really see me giving up on it just yet. I still have all my family there, friends,...and who knows, what if I end up living in Germany again some day? I don't want to apply for residence in my homecountry!?

Well, I doubt this will ever be the case, but for now I won't apply for naturalisation. Maybe some time down the road when I don't have so many ties to Germany anymore, family and emotional.

My husband is totally supporting my decision.

[mawilson 2,133]

Top 10 Benefits of US Citizenship

I only counted 9. Where's #10?

[Krikit 1,164]

Top 10 Benefits of US Citizenship

I only counted 9. Where's #10?

I know! I was just laughing about that but decided not to change my link.

[Marilyn. 340]

i might become a citizen or I might not.. it isn't a big deal to me...

hubby says I should become a citizen but we'll see...

[nane1104 146]

Top 10 Benefits of US Citizenship

I only counted 9. Where's #10?

#10 is that you have the privilege to come up with your own #10

Seriously, this is a good one, there is no 10. reason and maybe they thought if they add enough other links and stuff into the article, nobody will notice!?

[Krikit 1,164]

Top 10 Benefits of US Citizenship

I only counted 9. Where's #10?

I wonder who you have to know to get the 10th?

[Nessa 23]

1. A Citizen Can Vote

A citizen has the right to vote for elected officials at the federal, state and local levels who shape the policy of the government. Certain countries, including Ireland and the United Kingdom, recognize "dual citizenship" permitting naturalized U.S. citizens to maintain their citizenship of birth and original passport.

I don't care about politics. No benefit here.

2. Citizens can leave the US and live in another country for as long as they want, yet still come back at any time. Travel may be easier for US citizens in certain countries with visa waivers for Americans. And citizens receive US embassy protection abroad.

great, never thought of that. Definitely a benefit.

3. Citizens Can Bring More Relatives From Abroad, More Quickly

Citizens can petition for a wider variety of family members to come to the US as permanent residents. They also have much shorter waiting times for green cards, and no limits.

I ain't bringing anyone, ever.

4. Citizens Cannot be Deported

Most of us never expect to commit a crime, but if we are the victims of circumstance, in the wrong place at the wrong time, as citizens, we cannot be deported. We also don't need to worry about a lost green card or too-long stay outside the US preventing us from re-entering.

well, it's nice to know Charles can never get rid of me

5. Citizens Can Retire Abroad With Full Social Security Benefits

Citizens who retire abroad get all their Social Security benefits. Green card holders only get half of the benefits they earned.

oh cool. I'm definitely going for it now.

6. Citizens are Entitled to More Public Benefits

Citizens are eligible for more public benefits, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Food Stamps, as well as certain academic scholarships and financial aid.

bleh. I'm not a democrat.

7. A US Citizen Can Hold Office and Have More Job Opportunities

Only a citizen has the right to hold an elected position in most city, state or federal offices. Many federal, state and city jobs also require citizenship.

great. main reason. I wanna be president! jk

8. Adopted or Natural Children Under 18 May be Naturalized Automatically

Depending on the circumstances, children born abroad, who are under 18 years of age and unmarried may be able to naturalize automatically when a parent does so.

no kids.

9. Citizens Have More Financial and Tax Benefits

Citizens often receive approval on loans andmortgages more easily, and/or they get better rates, because the lender knows there is less chance they will defect. Citizens are often subject to fewer restrictions on estate taxes as well.

great. another benefit

[reeses16 8]

I guess it really depends on your situation. My hubby is definitely getting citizenship. We plan on traveling as spending a lot of time in Ethiopia. In 2005, there was violence and widespread & unwarranted arrests in Ethiopia following their election. I know this type of thing doesn't happen everyday. But I would be desperate if something happened while we were in country and the US wouldn't even try to help because he was a only a LPR. Also, form the top 10 list (lol) reasons 2-4.

Side note: I wonder how much it will cost to renew a green card 10 years from now...

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Is there anyone here who wants to be an LPR but really couldn't care less about citizenship.

That would have been me some years back. But as an LPR, you never know when Congress is going to pull the rug from under your feet. Once I made the decision to make the US my permanent home of choice, applying for citizenship was a natural consequence of that decision. Good thing I did. Nani and I met while my application was in process.

Side note: I wonder how much it will cost to renew a green card 10 years from now...

LOL - at the current pace somewhere in the neighborhood of 5K I suppose.

[Ban Hammer 13,340]

i got your #10.

in many states to get a cch you have to be a usc.