Does anyone NOT want to be a USC?

[GabiandVi 34]

My aunt came to the US from British Columbia (now Belize) as a high school student and stayed on to go to nursing school. She lived for at least 40 years as an LPR married to my uncle, but after their children grew up she wanted to go back to work. She never wanted to give up her loyalty to the Queen (imagine that), but she found that it was just very costly to work as an LPR, so she got her citizenship.

My husband will not give up citizenship to his country, but we definitely want for him to get US citizenship. If he wants to visit Canada, he has to get a visa and his chances are not great. Every time he flies, he has to pass through France, sometimes with a 23 hour layover. If he wants to leave the airport he has to get a visa. It will just be so much easier when he has citizenship and can benefit from the VWP. Also, I hope to go abroad again some day, and we don't want to have to hassle with how he keeps his residency if we live abroad for several years, etc. It's just easier.

I have a question...

You said that your "aunt came to the U.S. from British Columbia" and then suggested that it had been renamed by writing "now Belize." As far as I know, British Columbia is a province in Canada, whereas Belize was once called British Honduras. Both are Commonwealth Nations and were once British Colonies, so the Crown (no matter who was on the throne at the time) would have been at the head of both countries. From what I've been told, however, the British monarchy has little power and control over Canada today and I don't know enough about Belize to make an accurate comment.

Did you make a small error or is there something I'm not aware of here?

Sorry. Stupid error. British Honduras, now Belize. I think the renaming happened concurrently with independence from the crown, but I think, if I understood my aunt correctly, the subjects of the crown could remain subjects. I never really paid attention because it didn't have much to do with me. She was always as American as anyone I knew and never returned to British Honduras. She has been back since it was Belize, but only as a tourist.

[JeroenAndMichelle 28]

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.

I could care less about becoming a USC.. I will, however, do go through the naturalization process whenever possible... main reason for this for me is that I do not want my SO to be financially responsible for me.

[JeroenAndMichelle 28]

edit: double post... my bad...

Edited April 2, 2008 by JeroenAndMichelle

[Dr. Obvious 49]

I would love for my wife to get US citizenship so we can travel or live abroad without any difficulties. However, as it is now, she would have to give up Indonesian Citizenship to do it. Maybe that will change. At least a couple of countries have recently changed thier laws to allow for dual citizenship.

Yeah, if Germany was one of them, I would apply for US Citizenship for sure and keep the german citizenship as well. Right now, you have to proof special ties to Germany (almost impossible to achieve) in order to have both.

That is actually the very easy part and nowhere near impossible to prove unless you lived out of Germany your whole life, don't speak German, don't have any family there, etc. The hard part is proving why it would be to your advantage to have US citizenship.

Angaben zu den Gründen für den angestrebten Erwerb der anderen Staatsangehörigkeit

auf gesondertem Blatt

zum Beispiel über konkrete Erleichterungen / Vergünstigungen oder die Vermeidung / Beseitigung konkreter Nachteile

- im Erbrecht

- bei der Gewährung von Sozialleistungen

- in der Ausbildung oder bei der Berufsausübung

- bei der Vergabe von Stipendien oder sonstigen Fördergeldern

- bei geschäftlichen Beziehungen (z.B. bei Aufträgen der öffentlichen Hand)

- bei Erwerb / Verkauf von Immobilien

- und anderes...

Diese Erläuterungen sind nicht abschließend. Bei der Entscheidung über den Antrag wird Ihre persönliche Situation berücksichtigt.

People have before filed the Beibehaltungsgenemigung successfully. From what I have read it is not too terribly difficult in most circumstances.

[Krikit 1,164]

and she'll get my military retirement, already signed up for that. no restrictions on living location.

Doesn't a portion of your income go into social security?

correct, which she'd also get to draw as a pr or usc when she retires.

Unless she leaves the country. Full circle

#10 - Never dealing with USCIS again.

Amen to that.

My husband will not give up citizenship to his country, but we definitely want for him to get US citizenship. If he wants to visit Canada, he has to get a visa and his chances are not great. Every

Was going to mention that a greencard holder does not require a visa to Canada, but I see someone already caught that.

[Jeraly 4]

I will file for citizenship because I can retain my UK citizenship as well - it just opens more doors for us in terms of where we live and travel - I know Jeremy would like to get UKC as well but we just don't know where we are going to be a few years down the line

I didn't realise it had a bearing on your job and pension though so that is really useful to know

[Mary Lou 681]

Gary will file to be a US Citizen. He said it wont make him any less Irish. Will be so nice not having to deal with USCIS anymore.

[nane1104 146]

I would love for my wife to get US citizenship so we can travel or live abroad without any difficulties. However, as it is now, she would have to give up Indonesian Citizenship to do it. Maybe that will change. At least a couple of countries have recently changed thier laws to allow for dual citizenship.

Yeah, if Germany was one of them, I would apply for US Citizenship for sure and keep the german citizenship as well. Right now, you have to proof special ties to Germany (almost impossible to achieve) in order to have both.

That is actually the very easy part and nowhere near impossible to prove unless you lived out of Germany your whole life, don't speak German, don't have any family there, etc. The hard part is proving why it would be to your advantage to have US citizenship.

Angaben zu den Gründen für den angestrebten Erwerb der anderen Staatsangehörigkeit

auf gesondertem Blatt

zum Beispiel über konkrete Erleichterungen / Vergünstigungen oder die Vermeidung / Beseitigung konkreter Nachteile

- im Erbrecht

- bei der Gewährung von Sozialleistungen

- in der Ausbildung oder bei der Berufsausübung

- bei der Vergabe von Stipendien oder sonstigen Fördergeldern

- bei geschäftlichen Beziehungen (z.B. bei Aufträgen der öffentlichen Hand)

- bei Erwerb / Verkauf von Immobilien

- und anderes...

Diese Erläuterungen sind nicht abschließend. Bei der Entscheidung über den Antrag wird Ihre persönliche Situation berücksichtigt.

People have before filed the Beibehaltungsgenemigung successfully. From what I have read it is not too terribly difficult in most circumstances.

Good to know that, thank you for the info, I will have to take a closer look at that!!!

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.

I could care less about becoming a USC.. I will, however, do go through the naturalization process whenever possible... main reason for this for me is that I do not want my SO to be financially responsible for me.

Ummh, stupid question, what is the difference between the two?

[JeroenAndMichelle 28]

I could care less about becoming a USC.. I will, however, do go through the naturalization process whenever possible... main reason for this for me is that I do not want my SO to be financially responsible for me.

Ummh, stupid question, what is the difference between the two?

Maybe I didn't put it right... what I meant was that I do not really care about becoming a USC for myself...

It is not like I am some kind of USA fanboy like you can see here and there who really needs (wants) to become part of the USA and tries everything to become a USC.. On the contrary, if it was easier, my SO would move to Europe instead (she wants it too) but the Netherlands has its borders so closed at the moment that this wont be an option and it is that I think of Hawaii not so much as being the USA or I would not even move there at all but would move to a different country in Europe with her so she could become a European citizen lol). For example, I would not want to live on the mainland USA as it would not be my choice of country. I am doing this so we can be together, not so much for being part of a country.

I would be ok with just a greencard but the reason why I will do the naturalization process to become a USC is because I do not want her to be financially responsible when it is not needed. I know we cannot change this right away but as soon as it is possible, I want to 'relief' her of that 'duty' so she would not have to worry if I would get into trouble.

[Nessa 23]

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.

The thing is I don't have kids in Brazil, so there's no one for me to bring here.

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.

One of the items under this benefit is the survivor's pension. If Charles were to pass away and you decided to move back to Brazil, you would no longer be entitled to receive his pension.

we talked about moving to Brazil after we retire, so that's one great benefit.

Didn't you know, Democrats are wealthy and overeducated, but also use all the public services? It's a really strange situation.

I don't think people who don't plan to vote should be allowed to become citizens. I don't believe people need a lot of patriotism to live in a place, but voting is a basic duty. It means so much more than "politics." Although I don't see how you can regurgitate lame right-wing propaganda without having any interest in politics...

I don't need to have a real interest in the subject to make a joke. Actually, it's because I have no interest that I joke about it.

[Sister Fracas 5]

Coincidentally, Hubster is eligible to apply for naturalization for the first time TODAY!!! He will, soon enough, but we have a tax bill to pay first and the fee isn't cheap, so we'll get the papers and money together within the next few months. We felt that both being dual citizens would allow us flexibility for when we go to live in the UK. If we need to come back heer it will just be easier. Hubs would like to vote someday I think, and there are definitely some positive benefits, but if he had to give up UK citizenship, he wouldn't have contemplated it.

ANd yes, NEVER HAVING TO DEAL WITH USCIS AGAIN, is a HUGE benefit!

Edited April 2, 2008 by Sister Fracas

[payxibka 10,045]

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

Sorry to bust your bubble but to be president you must be natural born.... That is why we will never have President Arnold....

[Krikit 1,164]

Coincidentally, Hubster is eligible to apply for naturalization for the first time TODAY!!! He will, soon enough, but we have a tax bill to pay first and the fee isn't cheap, so we'll get the papers and money together within the next few months. We felt that both being dual citizens would allow us flexibility for when we go to live in the UK. If we need to come back heer it will just be easier. Hubs would like to vote someday I think, and there are definitely some positive benefits, but if he had to give up UK citizenship, he wouldn't have contemplated it.

Congratulations!! (And I am SO dying to be able to vote, too.)

[Nessa 23]

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

Sorry to bust your bubble but to be president you must be natural born.... That is why we will never have President Arnold....

no kidding! wow!! There goes my career plan. Dayum.

What can I do now? If I'm not president of a nation I don't know what else to do.

Edited April 2, 2008 by Nessa

[Sister Fracas 5]

Coincidentally, Hubster is eligible to apply for naturalization for the first time TODAY!!! He will, soon enough, but we have a tax bill to pay first and the fee isn't cheap, so we'll get the papers and money together within the next few months. We felt that both being dual citizens would allow us flexibility for when we go to live in the UK. If we need to come back here it will just be easier. Hubs would like to vote someday I think, and there are definitely some positive benefits, but if he had to give up UK citizenship, he wouldn't have contemplated it.

Congratulations!! (And I am SO dying to be able to vote, too.)

It IS exciting that he's eligible, but it also reminds me that it was one year ago today that we filed the removal of conditions papers....argh!

Edited April 2, 2008 by Sister Fracas