Are there any negatives to US Citizenship?

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

Ok, So I'm already a USC, and I mostly talk about the positives of US Citizenship, but....

My husband (who is also a USC), and I made an unusual bet, for the fun of it.....

Lol..We bet that I (Ant) couldn't come up with 10 reasons as to why there are negatives to becoming a US Citizen....

Anyways, I took him up on his bet...So...

Here is a quick list that I can think of, as to the negatives of US Citizenship....

-The US Citizenship/N-400 process costs more time and money...$675....(even though it is optional)

-US Citizens have to file US taxes on their worldwide income

-US Citizens have to serve on a US jury if called for

-US Citizens have to always travel overseas with US passports

-US Citizens have to be loyal to the US only. Some other countries do not allow dual/triple citizenships. If one becomes a -Citzen, depending on the other country, they can lose that other former country's citizenship.

Any other reasons you can think of? 5 down, 5 to go.....

Lol..Any other ideas and/or more list suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Let's see who can win this bet....

Ant

Edited April 4, 2010 by Ant+D+BabyA

[Kathryn41 3,205]

US citizens can't visit Cuba legally

US citizens are prime targets for kidnapping and being held for ransom in some poorer countries

Edited April 4, 2010 by Kathryn41

[antda 13]

US citizens can't visit Cuba legally

US citizens are prime targets for kidnapping and being held for ransom in some poorer countries

Kathryn-Thanks for your reply.

Wow..I never knew about the Cuba thing...Really? I thought that US Citizens could go to Cuba, but couldn't import back any Cuban cigars, or stuff like that...I guess not then..lol...Didn't know that they couldn't visit at all...hmmm...

Don't worry though, as we won't be going to Cuba anytime soon..Lol..we've seen enough of "Cuba" by other means...

Interesting too, that you brought up the kidnapping thing...That's so true...

Either that, or the media hypes that up. But then again, I sort of blame the American government about this one, as they are the ones that want to attack some poorer countries, and as a result, these countries will fight back, and will do such with kidnapping and/or terrorist attacks....scary....

Actually, I've read that some Americans like to put a Canadian flag on their backpacks/luggage, so that they can avoid dangers like this..Not sure if it is true or not, but it does make sense..Canadians mean no harm...lol...

Ok...Two more reasons....I'm 7/10 away to go for the Easter goodies! Thanks..

Ant

[Anh map 2,098]

LPR has to file income tax on worldwide income too

[Italian_in_NYC 259]

All citizens from Western countries (including Canada) are more likely to be kidnapped abroad.

You don't need to use a US passport when traveling abroad (you only need it when getting back to the US - obviously if you have dual citizenship that is)

[J.J. & Diana 0]

Sounds like some pretty poor "negatives". You're turning honors and duties into negatives. Though you already are a US citizen, if you had such a problem with, passports, jury's, taxes, being loyal and proud of your new country, why even bother? It seems more of a hassle to you than a privilege. It's an honor for the US to allow you to become a citizen, it's definitely not something any immigrant deserves or has a right to. While the whole "find 10 things bad about being a citizen" may be just a "game", it shows some pretty poor attitude about being granted the priviledge to live in the greatest, most free, most unique country to date.

[CaptainPenguin 5]

Sounds like some pretty poor "negatives". You're turning honors and duties into negatives. Though you already are a US citizen, if you had such a problem with, passports, jury's, taxes, being loyal and proud of your new country, why even bother? It seems more of a hassle to you than a privilege. It's an honor for the US to allow you to become a citizen, it's definitely not something any immigrant deserves or has a right to. While the whole "find 10 things bad about being a citizen" may be just a "game", it shows some pretty poor attitude about being granted the priviledge to live in the greatest, most free, most unique country to date.

I completely agree with J.J. & Diana, starting a topic like this is borderline disrespectful, even if it is just a 'joke'. I can honestly tell you that I would proudly and happily serve on a jury and would not see it as an inconvenience whatsoever.

Sure there are negatives about being a citizen of any country, but being as USC has more positives than any other one. Some of us here have been waiting over a decade, in my case over two, to file for naturalization, it has been a dream of mine ever since I was a little kid. And I can't see any negatives at all.

[NickD 202]

USA does not permit dual or triple citizenship, but they do allow dual or triple nationality, there is a difference, a huge difference between those two words.

Citizenship requires 100% allegiance to this country and you cannot have allegiance to another country, even your home one. But is permissible under multiple nationality to hold a foreign passport, matter fact, you have to in some cases to visit your family.

[JeanneVictoria 55]

Sounds like some pretty poor "negatives". You're turning honors and duties into negatives. Though you already are a US citizen, if you had such a problem with, passports, jury's, taxes, being loyal and proud of your new country, why even bother? It seems more of a hassle to you than a privilege. It's an honor for the US to allow you to become a citizen, it's definitely not something any immigrant deserves or has a right to. While the whole "find 10 things bad about being a citizen" may be just a "game", it shows some pretty poor attitude about being granted the priviledge to live in the greatest, most free, most unique country to date.

Wonderful answer!!! Thank you!

[DanielParul 50]

Sounds like some pretty poor "negatives". You're turning honors and duties into negatives. Though you already are a US citizen, if you had such a problem with, passports, jury's, taxes, being loyal and proud of your new country, why even bother? It seems more of a hassle to you than a privilege. It's an honor for the US to allow you to become a citizen, it's definitely not something any immigrant deserves or has a right to. While the whole "find 10 things bad about being a citizen" may be just a "game", it shows some pretty poor attitude about being granted the priviledge to live in the greatest, most free, most unique country to date.

Too much of bashing America is going on. I love my country but if I choose to live here then I respect and should have my loyalty to this nation that has accepted me too. I don't see how that is a negative.

[Nyte 1]

One of the rights we enjoy as Americans is the right to have this conversation right now, even if we disagree with the reason for doing so.

[coraliesolms 47]

One of the rights we enjoy as Americans is the right to have this conversation right now, even if we disagree with the reason for doing so.

I agree with this post...Im sure Ant loves being an american, and what this post is actually doing, is showing how hard it is to think of negatives about the country!!

I cant think of anything you guys havent mentioned though.. the cuba thing sucks... its such a nice vacation destination.

[Ronald and Elvira 0]

Being an American Citizen is the reason we try so hard to bring our spouses and loved ones here in the first place For the Freedoms we have be it good or bad.. the one thing we have is a voice and the right to be heard on any forum. I praise all those that can freely speak there mind but also ask if there is something wrong with America we are the only that can fix it no one else.....Damn I am proud to be an American even if I came to it Via the Panama Canal Zone.In every Country on this Earth there is good and bad Laws and Rules which the citizens of that country must follow So America is no different in that aspect. IT how the laws are made and adjusted that makes America a wonderful place to live and grow. So If there is Something you do not like about America Do what millions of people do Vote the right people into Office and let your Voices be heard..Not only is Being an American an honor but its a responsibility to each other in this Great country to make sure these right are protected and continue to be refined so others in our future will have the same if not better America to live in...Thank you for letting me part of this Forum

Edited April 4, 2010 by Ronald and Elvira

[v333k 59]

Well, after following this post since it started and seen the type of replies, I want to just jump in and provide a few thoughts.

1. First of, I don't think Ant meant it in a negative way... hence, the bet is, and I quote:

"We bet that I (Ant) couldn't come up with 10 reasons as to why there are negatives to becoming a US Citizen...."

I bet that if we talked about other countries, we can come up with more than 10 reasons within the first two or three replies.... this actually worked as a proof that we cannot even list 10 reasons....

2. If we pay attention to the listed items, we can easily see that they are by no means terrible and just matter of comfort.

For example: "- The US Citizenship/N-400 process costs more time and money...$675....(even though it is optional)"

But if we look deeply into it, any government process takes a lot of money no matter what country. We always complain about USCIS and their efficiency but personally speaking, the process of obtaining documents and getting legal errands taken care of in other countries is a much worse process... this item is only related to money and nothing else.

3. As for jury: "-US Citizens have to serve on a US jury if called for "

I have yet to hear of any person naturally born USC or a naturalized USC jumping in joy when receiving a jury duty letter. Although it is a privilege to be of service to this country with duties such as jury duty, but it will at any point interrupt that person's life....

4. "-US Citizens have to always travel overseas with US passports" - I really don't see this being a disadvantage. A lot of countries require visas prior to visit even neighboring countries. Also, when connecting in other countries, a US passport will allow you to do that without any issues. Again, some other countries actually need to get their passports stamped with a transit visa that will allow them access to AIRPORT ONLY during travel.

5. "-US Citizens have to be loyal to the US only." That is the whole idea behind the oath and the pledge of allegiance. We had a topic about this that exploded into a big discussion. I still like to emphasis on how serious this oath is and how so many people are indifferent to what it means - all it is to them is just something they say in order to get naturalized. This is something I can consider as a negative. I wish the oath is a more serious process and not just show up at a certain location with the letter and you get naturalized.

[HannahP 119]

Meh. Hubby has no desire to apply for citizenship and I have no desire to spend even more money.