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to become an american citizen or not

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Filed: Other Country: Andorra
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Wearing something Canadian during the ceremony is a nice touch. But crossing your fingers so to speak I think is disrespectful. You can have dual citizenship, but with that you should have dual allegiances. If your intent is never to consider yourself American and always fully Canadian, I think that permanent residency is the honest moral.

Yes, maybe crossing your fingers would be disrespectful. But, how do you fully, 100% pledge yourself to a country after only living htere for 3 years? I mean, in all human honesty Rob, you have to think about it that way. I know some people on this board lived in Canada twice as long as I did (35..40 years, etc.) You can't do a comparison on those things when it involves honour and nationality, so to speak.

I'm not American...I don't think I could be even if I had a passport in my hand. I'm Canadian, that's where our roots are...that's where our heart is. But, we've been through a lot to be here..not dealing with USCIS ever again, or, having access to two countries would be very nice. When I became a British citizen by birth right I didn't consider myself ever English. My dad is but I'm not.

As Trailmix said, I dislike the wording of the oath. It makes it to exclusive, too demanding..and you won't be seeing me with any guns, even if I do become an American citizen.

You have the choice to be a permanent resident, or a citizen. If you dont' feel you can fulfull those expectations, then maintain your permanent residency, or take the citizenship oath at a later date. Citizenship isn't something that should be taken lightly, and to do so for the sake of convenience is a bit insulting. I know that the shoe will be on the other foot for me at some point, and I will have to broach this subject myself. At one point in this process, I didn't feel as strongly about it as I do now, but it was my wife who convinced me otherwise. My family was asking her about becoming a citizen and how long it would take. She told me after that she didn't want to become a citizen because Canada was her home and always would be. She had read the oath and felt it was more than she was willing to give. I agree with that, I think its disrespectful to both American and Canadian citizens who take their role to heart to be so flippant about it.

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Canada
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Wearing something Canadian during the ceremony is a nice touch. But crossing your fingers so to speak I think is disrespectful. You can have dual citizenship, but with that you should have dual allegiances. If your intent is never to consider yourself American and always fully Canadian, I think that permanent residency is the honest moral.

Yes, maybe crossing your fingers would be disrespectful. But, how do you fully, 100% pledge yourself to a country after only living htere for 3 years? I mean, in all human honesty Rob, you have to think about it that way. I know some people on this board lived in Canada twice as long as I did (35..40 years, etc.) You can't do a comparison on those things when it involves honour and nationality, so to speak.

I'm not American...I don't think I could be even if I had a passport in my hand. I'm Canadian, that's where our roots are...that's where our heart is. But, we've been through a lot to be here..not dealing with USCIS ever again, or, having access to two countries would be very nice. When I became a British citizen by birth right I didn't consider myself ever English. My dad is but I'm not.

As Trailmix said, I dislike the wording of the oath. It makes it to exclusive, too demanding..and you won't be seeing me with any guns, even if I do become an American citizen.

You have the choice to be a permanent resident, or a citizen. If you dont' feel you can fulfull those expectations, then maintain your permanent residency, or take the citizenship oath at a later date. Citizenship isn't something that should be taken lightly, and to do so for the sake of convenience is a bit insulting. I know that the shoe will be on the other foot for me at some point, and I will have to broach this subject myself. At one point in this process, I didn't feel as strongly about it as I do now, but it was my wife who convinced me otherwise. My family was asking her about becoming a citizen and how long it would take. She told me after that she didn't want to become a citizen because Canada was her home and always would be. She had read the oath and felt it was more than she was willing to give. I agree with that, I think its disrespectful to both American and Canadian citizens who take their role to heart to be so flippant about it.

I think some people feel that the American government is asking for too much in that oath - and I agree. Perhaps pledging allegiance to the country is ok - to exclude all others really isn't - it's not something you can dictate in an oath anyway.

Is it disrespectful - to you yes, to many others - probably, to some no - because it is unreasonable.

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Filed: Other Country: Andorra
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Wearing something Canadian during the ceremony is a nice touch. But crossing your fingers so to speak I think is disrespectful. You can have dual citizenship, but with that you should have dual allegiances. If your intent is never to consider yourself American and always fully Canadian, I think that permanent residency is the honest moral.

Yes, maybe crossing your fingers would be disrespectful. But, how do you fully, 100% pledge yourself to a country after only living htere for 3 years? I mean, in all human honesty Rob, you have to think about it that way. I know some people on this board lived in Canada twice as long as I did (35..40 years, etc.) You can't do a comparison on those things when it involves honour and nationality, so to speak.

I'm not American...I don't think I could be even if I had a passport in my hand. I'm Canadian, that's where our roots are...that's where our heart is. But, we've been through a lot to be here..not dealing with USCIS ever again, or, having access to two countries would be very nice. When I became a British citizen by birth right I didn't consider myself ever English. My dad is but I'm not.

As Trailmix said, I dislike the wording of the oath. It makes it to exclusive, too demanding..and you won't be seeing me with any guns, even if I do become an American citizen.

You have the choice to be a permanent resident, or a citizen. If you dont' feel you can fulfull those expectations, then maintain your permanent residency, or take the citizenship oath at a later date. Citizenship isn't something that should be taken lightly, and to do so for the sake of convenience is a bit insulting. I know that the shoe will be on the other foot for me at some point, and I will have to broach this subject myself. At one point in this process, I didn't feel as strongly about it as I do now, but it was my wife who convinced me otherwise. My family was asking her about becoming a citizen and how long it would take. She told me after that she didn't want to become a citizen because Canada was her home and always would be. She had read the oath and felt it was more than she was willing to give. I agree with that, I think its disrespectful to both American and Canadian citizens who take their role to heart to be so flippant about it.

I think some people feel that the American government is asking for too much in that oath - and I agree. Perhaps pledging allegiance to the country is ok - to exclude all others really isn't - it's not something you can dictate in an oath anyway.

Is it disrespectful - to you yes, to many others - probably, to some no - because it is unreasonable.

Well, if you dont' like it, then you can just .................... oh wait, you did. :jest:

Edited by Naked_Smurf
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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
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I don't think people are making this decision flippantly - it is a measured decision that they decide in their own hearts what is right for them. I fully intend to respect and honour my commitment to the US just as a fully honour my commitment to Canada. Right now, there is no conflict. If the time comes when there is - ie Canada no longer recognizes dual citizenships or the US invades Canada - then I may make another decision. It won't be done lightly. I fully believe that when you live in a community or a country that you become a member of that community or country. It bothers me having no voice in the government at various levels in this community in which I live. I believe in the democratic principles and having US citizenship will allow me to be a fully participating, responsible member of this community. Still, I will first and foremost be a Canadian who is able to commit to upholding and respecting the laws of two countries.

At my oath ceremony I fully intend to wear a pin showing both the Canadian and American flag flying together.

Edited by Kathryn41

“...Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we knew all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?”

. Lucy Maude Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

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How expensive is it to become a citizen? lol

Let's Keep the Song Going!!!

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~Laura and Nicholas~

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Met online November 2005 playing City of Heroes

First met in Canada, Sept 22, 2006 <3

September 2006 to March 2008, 11 visits, 5 in Canada, 6 in NJ

Officially Engaged December 24th, 2007!!!

Moved to the U.S. to be with my baby on July 19th, 2008 on a K1 visa!!!!

***10 year green card in hand as of 2/2/2012, loving and living life***

Hmmm maybe we should move back to Canada! lol smile.png

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Filed: Other Country: Canada
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How expensive is it to become a citizen? lol

I am assuming it would be less then it would cost to renew you green card every 10 years

$595 plus a biometrics fee of $80

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Edited by Marilyn.
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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
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I don't think people are making this decision flippantly - it is a measured decision that they decide in their own hearts what is right for them. I fully intend to respect and honour my commitment to the US just as a fully honour my commitment to Canada. Right now, there is no conflict. If the time comes when there is - ie Canada no longer recognizes dual citizenships or the US invades Canada - then I may make another decision. It won't be done lightly. I fully believe that when you live in a community or a country that you become a member of that community or country. It bothers me having no voice in the government at various levels in this community in which I live. I believe in the democratic principles and having US citizenship will allow me to be a fully participating, responsible member of this community. Still, I will first and foremost be a Canadian who is able to commit to upholding and respecting the laws of two countries.

At my oath ceremony I fully intend to wear a pin showing both the Canadian and American flag flying together.

That's exactly how I feel about it.

Also, just a question for thought, if America no longer allowed dual citizenship, and you decided to renounce...would you have to go back to Canada immediately?

"...My hair's mostly wind,

My eyes filled with grit

My skin's white then brown

My lips chapped and split

I've lain on the prairie and heard grasses sigh

I've stared at the vast open bowl of the sky

I've seen all the castles and faces in clouds

My home is the prairie and for that I am proud…

If You're not from the Prairie, you can't know my soul

You don't know our blizzards; you've not fought our cold

You can't know my mind, nor ever my heart

Unless deep within you there's somehow a part…

A part of these things that I've said that I know,

The wind, sky and earth, the storms and the snow.

Best say that you have - and then we'll be one,

For we will have shared that same blazing sun." - David Bouchard

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Canada
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I don't think people are making this decision flippantly - it is a measured decision that they decide in their own hearts what is right for them. I fully intend to respect and honour my commitment to the US just as a fully honour my commitment to Canada. Right now, there is no conflict. If the time comes when there is - ie Canada no longer recognizes dual citizenships or the US invades Canada - then I may make another decision. It won't be done lightly. I fully believe that when you live in a community or a country that you become a member of that community or country. It bothers me having no voice in the government at various levels in this community in which I live. I believe in the democratic principles and having US citizenship will allow me to be a fully participating, responsible member of this community. Still, I will first and foremost be a Canadian who is able to commit to upholding and respecting the laws of two countries.

At my oath ceremony I fully intend to wear a pin showing both the Canadian and American flag flying together.

That's exactly how I feel about it.

Also, just a question for thought, if America no longer allowed dual citizenship, and you decided to renounce...would you have to go back to Canada immediately?

You sound hopeful :hehe:

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
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?

It was an honest question.

"...My hair's mostly wind,

My eyes filled with grit

My skin's white then brown

My lips chapped and split

I've lain on the prairie and heard grasses sigh

I've stared at the vast open bowl of the sky

I've seen all the castles and faces in clouds

My home is the prairie and for that I am proud…

If You're not from the Prairie, you can't know my soul

You don't know our blizzards; you've not fought our cold

You can't know my mind, nor ever my heart

Unless deep within you there's somehow a part…

A part of these things that I've said that I know,

The wind, sky and earth, the storms and the snow.

Best say that you have - and then we'll be one,

For we will have shared that same blazing sun." - David Bouchard

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
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:lol:

I think I could deal with gracefully being thrown out...

"...My hair's mostly wind,

My eyes filled with grit

My skin's white then brown

My lips chapped and split

I've lain on the prairie and heard grasses sigh

I've stared at the vast open bowl of the sky

I've seen all the castles and faces in clouds

My home is the prairie and for that I am proud…

If You're not from the Prairie, you can't know my soul

You don't know our blizzards; you've not fought our cold

You can't know my mind, nor ever my heart

Unless deep within you there's somehow a part…

A part of these things that I've said that I know,

The wind, sky and earth, the storms and the snow.

Best say that you have - and then we'll be one,

For we will have shared that same blazing sun." - David Bouchard

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Filed: Other Country: Canada
Timeline
I'm not trying to be antagonistic, but I find it a bit disturbing some of the reasons posed here for taking citizenship over remaining a permanent resident. I fully respect anyones decision and passion for their home nation, but why would you actively seek citizenship for a country for convenience? That seems quite disingenuous to me. Maybe I take the citizenship oath a bit too literally, but you are swearing to it when you take the oath.

That's the thing. Many people feel that they can't take that oath in good faith. As an American I can see why you would find it a bit disturbing - however, if you want to participate and vote and you don't want the hassle of being a permanent resident - then what do you do?

I think Canada's oath is a bit more realistic:

I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.

Why does the United States feel that you have to renounce your allegiance to your homeland?

Having immigrated to Canada from the U.S., it's the Canadian oath of citizenship that bothers me. I don't -- and never will -- swear allegiance to any monarch, regardless of who he or she is. The idea of actually doing so makes me nauseated.

However... it'd be nice to bypass Canadian customs easily and never have to deal with the Canadian government (at least so far as immigration is concerned). I'd also like to vote.

So for me, becoming a Canadian citizen would be for convenience and nothing else. I know I'll be lying about swearing any sort of allegiance to monarchy. That's fine as well, since I am an American and will always be such. The only reason I even moved to Canada was for my wife.

Edited by DeadPoolX
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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Canada
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I'm not trying to be antagonistic, but I find it a bit disturbing some of the reasons posed here for taking citizenship over remaining a permanent resident. I fully respect anyones decision and passion for their home nation, but why would you actively seek citizenship for a country for convenience? That seems quite disingenuous to me. Maybe I take the citizenship oath a bit too literally, but you are swearing to it when you take the oath.

That's the thing. Many people feel that they can't take that oath in good faith. As an American I can see why you would find it a bit disturbing - however, if you want to participate and vote and you don't want the hassle of being a permanent resident - then what do you do?

I think Canada's oath is a bit more realistic:

I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.

Why does the United States feel that you have to renounce your allegiance to your homeland?

Having immigrated to Canada from the U.S., it's the Canadian oath of citizenship that bothers me. I don't -- and never will -- swear allegiance to any monarch, regardless of who he or she is. The idea of actually doing so makes me nauseated.

However... it'd be nice to bypass Canadian customs easily and never have to deal with the Canadian government (at least so far as immigration is concerned). I'd also like to vote.

So for me, becoming a Canadian citizen would be for convenience and nothing else. I know I'll be lying about swearing any sort of allegiance to monarchy. That's fine as well, since I am an American and will always be such. The only reason I even moved to Canada was for my wife.

Same story, different country! I respect your right to cross your fingers at the oath ceremony!

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Filed: Other Country: Canada
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I'm not trying to be antagonistic, but I find it a bit disturbing some of the reasons posed here for taking citizenship over remaining a permanent resident. I fully respect anyones decision and passion for their home nation, but why would you actively seek citizenship for a country for convenience? That seems quite disingenuous to me. Maybe I take the citizenship oath a bit too literally, but you are swearing to it when you take the oath.

That's the thing. Many people feel that they can't take that oath in good faith. As an American I can see why you would find it a bit disturbing - however, if you want to participate and vote and you don't want the hassle of being a permanent resident - then what do you do?

I think Canada's oath is a bit more realistic:

I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.

Why does the United States feel that you have to renounce your allegiance to your homeland?

Having immigrated to Canada from the U.S., it's the Canadian oath of citizenship that bothers me. I don't -- and never will -- swear allegiance to any monarch, regardless of who he or she is. The idea of actually doing so makes me nauseated.

However... it'd be nice to bypass Canadian customs easily and never have to deal with the Canadian government (at least so far as immigration is concerned). I'd also like to vote.

So for me, becoming a Canadian citizen would be for convenience and nothing else. I know I'll be lying about swearing any sort of allegiance to monarchy. That's fine as well, since I am an American and will always be such. The only reason I even moved to Canada was for my wife.

Same story, different country! I respect your right to cross your fingers at the oath ceremony!

Same here. I don't have a problem with anyone becoming a citizen out of convenience. :P

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