to become an american citizen or not

[bowflex 0]

Having family that have died in wars that America was fighting, I would be insulted if someone actually went into the oath ceremony and crossed their fingers or something along those lines. Now if the person just wore some Canada flare underneath their suit or something, I consider that more of just recognizing that they're now members of both countries and more power to them

As long as the person who's taking the oath plans to live well and support America while they're here I say good luck and welcome

[Sprailenes 47]

Most of my family are dual citizens because they are status card holders. I don't mind taking an oath... I won't cross my fingers. It doesn't really bother me too much. I know who I am.

Edited August 13, 2009 by Sprailenes

[trailmix 77]

Having family that have died in wars that America was fighting, I would be insulted if someone actually went into the oath ceremony and crossed their fingers or something along those lines. Now if the person just wore some Canada flare underneath their suit or something, I consider that more of just recognizing that they're now members of both countries and more power to them

As long as the person who's taking the oath plans to live well and support America while they're here I say good luck and welcome

Well the 'crossing their fingers' comment - I meant that figuratively. However, if you are saying the oath and not truly believing it - well you get my drift.

Personally, I don't think that saying the oath and not meaning it is in any way disrespectful to people who have died in wars - that's stretching it a bit in my opinion - however, it is interesting that so many have a different take on what that oath actually stands for.

[Sprailenes 47]

I say a lot of things every single day and I don't know what I'm talking about.

[bowflex 0]

Well the 'crossing their fingers' comment - I meant that figuratively. However, if you are saying the oath and not truly believing it - well you get my drift.

Personally, I don't think that saying the oath and not meaning it is in any way disrespectful to people who have died in wars - that's stretching it a bit in my opinion - however, it is interesting that so many have a different take on what that oath actually stands for.

Oh I definitely knew you weren't saying it literally but I wouldn't be surprised at all if it's been done in the past. That's just sort of a blatant way of showing you don't really care what you're doing that it'd bother me.

I actually don't even really compare the actual oath to showing respect for soldiers and really just the American people. I'm more speaking of those who will take the oath but really have no interest or desire to become an American citizen. I get very defensive sometimes on these types of issues just because of what I saw my wife's family go through for all those years while trying to take that very oath and feel that they're part of this country. Whenever I read that someone simply moved to the United States because their SO had a better job than they did or something when they're already living in a country comparable to the US, it kind of frustrates me. I know it's exactly 100% not my business but that doesn't keep my illogical feelings from coming in LOL.

I view the spousal visa as sometimes being misused as some couples use it to be together for a few years and then fully plan on moving away once someone retires or something like that. Granted it's completely legal and most people don't have a problem with it, but I do. My wife's family moved away from their country to give their kids a better life and a brighter future and deserved a spot in the USA probably more than most of us do just for that reason. I'm not trying to start a debate or a fight, just wanted to clarify where I come from

I only post these kinds of feelings in the Canada Forum because I fully know that everyone here reads these kinds of things and actually thinks about it instead of just ripping it apart. Plus you guys help me understand the country that my in-laws are now living in much better and keep me updated on new Tim Horton news as well LOL.

[Flames9_RN 358]

I just wore cdn socks--no fingers crossed!! lol Though when people ask what nationality I am-I state Cdn!! And if I was of age, i would have had no problem signing up for the Selective Service, unlke others that have come here and complained! freedom isn't free!! Loved my 15 yrs in the Cdn Armed Forses.

[Sprailenes 47]

I think when I become dual and people ask me I'm going to say: "Camerican" sort like the Brangelina thing. I think it works.

[bowflex 0]

I just wore cdn socks--no fingers crossed!! lol Though when people ask what nationality I am-I state Cdn!! And if I was of age, i would have had no problem signing up for the Selective Service, unlke others that have come here and complained! freedom isn't free!! Loved my 15 yrs in the Cdn Armed Forses.

LOL Many people don't sign up for the armed forces here anymore because they don't honor the length of time you sign up for anymore. There have been people I know that have done 4 and 5 tours over in Iraq and Afghanistan on the front line and they signed up to be a cook in the Navy or something. Just about everything involving the US Government right now is all jacked up haha.

[JillA 2]

Well the 'crossing their fingers' comment - I meant that figuratively. However, if you are saying the oath and not truly believing it - well you get my drift.

Personally, I don't think that saying the oath and not meaning it is in any way disrespectful to people who have died in wars - that's stretching it a bit in my opinion - however, it is interesting that so many have a different take on what that oath actually stands for.

Oh I definitely knew you weren't saying it literally but I wouldn't be surprised at all if it's been done in the past. That's just sort of a blatant way of showing you don't really care what you're doing that it'd bother me.

I actually don't even really compare the actual oath to showing respect for soldiers and really just the American people. I'm more speaking of those who will take the oath but really have no interest or desire to become an American citizen. I get very defensive sometimes on these types of issues just because of what I saw my wife's family go through for all those years while trying to take that very oath and feel that they're part of this country. Whenever I read that someone simply moved to the United States because their SO had a better job than they did or something when they're already living in a country comparable to the US, it kind of frustrates me. I know it's exactly 100% not my business but that doesn't keep my illogical feelings from coming in LOL.

I view the spousal visa as sometimes being misused as some couples use it to be together for a few years and then fully plan on moving away once someone retires or something like that. Granted it's completely legal and most people don't have a problem with it, but I do. My wife's family moved away from their country to give their kids a better life and a brighter future and deserved a spot in the USA probably more than most of us do just for that reason. I'm not trying to start a debate or a fight, just wanted to clarify where I come from

I only post these kinds of feelings in the Canada Forum because I fully know that everyone here reads these kinds of things and actually thinks about it instead of just ripping it apart. Plus you guys help me understand the country that my in-laws are now living in much better and keep me updated on new Tim Horton news as well LOL.

I understand what you're saying, but... what if it's true? (the bolded part). Canada is at least equal to the US in many ways, so what's wrong with moving here just to be with your SO? You make it sound wrong to move here from Canada because of the reasons I decided to move here. Obviously it wasn't to get to a better life, because Canada is equal or better (IMO). What's wrong with living here for a few years and then moving back to Canada? Just because we move here, we need to stay forever?

[bowflex 0]

I understand what you're saying, but... what if it's true? (the bolded part). Canada is at least equal to the US in many ways, so what's wrong with moving here just to be with your SO? You make it sound wrong to move here from Canada because of the reasons I decided to move here. Obviously it wasn't to get to a better life, because Canada is equal or better (IMO). What's wrong with living here for a few years and then moving back to Canada? Just because we move here, we need to stay forever?

I personally don't think that the people that are only moving to the States for a few years to be with someone before heading back to their country should be able to move faster than someone that's trying to come here on a refugee or-the-like basis. Just a personal opinion really due to the insane amount of time it can take for other visas on people that are planning on living their entire life here and setting down roots. I know this is probably will rub a few people on this board the wrong way but it's just how I feel. What makes someone that came here because they happened to meet someone from here more deserving than someone who's actually looking for a better life for their family?

My wife's family went through the refugee process, spent tens of thousands of dollars during their 15 years here on lawyers, forms, and the fees, then were told after that length of time that it was time to go. No one in their family ever took a dime from the American government for support, both of their daughters graduated early from high school and began attending college, and the parents worked full time jobs and bought a home. Meanwhile most of us spend maybe $5,000 and wait a year or so and boom, the person is here and ready to rock. I just can't agree with the way everything's structured right now.

I feel that someone that is fully committed to the US and wants to become a citizen and set down their roots and families in the States is more deserving than someone who's only in the USA for a years. Just how I feel

Edit: I'd also like to add that I don't feel that anyone who immigrates to only stay for a few years shouldn't be eligible or allowed in any way. I just think this plan of action should be moved behind those who plan on staying forever.

Edited August 13, 2009 by bowflex

[The Dude 206]

Well the 'crossing their fingers' comment - I meant that figuratively. However, if you are saying the oath and not truly believing it - well you get my drift.

Personally, I don't think that saying the oath and not meaning it is in any way disrespectful to people who have died in wars - that's stretching it a bit in my opinion - however, it is interesting that so many have a different take on what that oath actually stands for.

Oh I definitely knew you weren't saying it literally but I wouldn't be surprised at all if it's been done in the past. That's just sort of a blatant way of showing you don't really care what you're doing that it'd bother me.

I actually don't even really compare the actual oath to showing respect for soldiers and really just the American people. I'm more speaking of those who will take the oath but really have no interest or desire to become an American citizen. I get very defensive sometimes on these types of issues just because of what I saw my wife's family go through for all those years while trying to take that very oath and feel that they're part of this country. Whenever I read that someone simply moved to the United States because their SO had a better job than they did or something when they're already living in a country comparable to the US, it kind of frustrates me. I know it's exactly 100% not my business but that doesn't keep my illogical feelings from coming in LOL.

I view the spousal visa as sometimes being misused as some couples use it to be together for a few years and then fully plan on moving away once someone retires or something like that. Granted it's completely legal and most people don't have a problem with it, but I do. My wife's family moved away from their country to give their kids a better life and a brighter future and deserved a spot in the USA probably more than most of us do just for that reason. I'm not trying to start a debate or a fight, just wanted to clarify where I come from

I only post these kinds of feelings in the Canada Forum because I fully know that everyone here reads these kinds of things and actually thinks about it instead of just ripping it apart. Plus you guys help me understand the country that my in-laws are now living in much better and keep me updated on new Tim Horton news as well LOL.

I understand what you're saying, but... what if it's true? (the bolded part). Canada is at least equal to the US in many ways, so what's wrong with moving here just to be with your SO? You make it sound wrong to move here from Canada because of the reasons I decided to move here. Obviously it wasn't to get to a better life, because Canada is equal or better (IMO). What's wrong with living here for a few years and then moving back to Canada? Just because we move here, we need to stay forever?

If your intent was to move here for a few years and then move back, I think it is highly offensive if you take citizenship out of convenience. You can remain a permanent resident and enjoy the same rights and privelages, save voting.

[Misty1979 0]

Edited...too long to explain.

Edited August 13, 2009 by Misty1979

[thetreble 19]

You are disregarding the fact that people's plans for the life can change....I don't think any one knows what they want initially when they move countries. I certainly didn't. I was just trying to get through the change, nevermind thinking about what I was actually doing. Plans change. I may be here for 10 years, I may be here forever...who knows...and I don't think that makes me any less worthy than someone who is moving from their country because there is a war going on.

[The Dude 206]

You are disregarding the fact that people's plans for the life can change....I don't think any one knows what they want initially when they move countries. I certainly didn't. I was just trying to get through the change, nevermind thinking about what I was actually doing. Plans change. I may be here for 10 years, I may be here forever...who knows...and I don't think that makes me any less worthy than someone who is moving from their country because there is a war going on.

My whole point is..... if you don't know, have no interest in actually being an American citizen, or if you're not willing to undertake what is asked of you to be a citizen, then don't, remain a permanent resident.

[bowflex 0]

You are disregarding the fact that people's plans for the life can change....I don't think any one knows what they want initially when they move countries. I certainly didn't. I was just trying to get through the change, nevermind thinking about what I was actually doing. Plans change. I may be here for 10 years, I may be here forever...who knows...and I don't think that makes me any less worthy than someone who is moving from their country because there is a war going on.

I was speaking more of the people that are using the spousal visa to move here and have the intent to move back in a few years or upon retirement. Obviously life can change but I view it as kind of just "buying their time" and someone who plans to live in the States forever is more deserving of the faster processing times and moving here.