US Citizenship

[Team J and B 2]

I am of the impression that I don't need to take on another citizenship. That by getting the Green Card, I would be content. Short of having the right to vote, I don't need to become American, do I?

When our kids are born, they can become American like their father and hold American passports, but as their mommy, I don't need to become American, right? And I would like to not change my name as well. Do these two pose any problems? Assuming we'll be spending the rest of our working lives in the USA, that is.

Just curious.

Mods, feel free to move or merge this poll if it's been done before. I did a search and did not hit what I was looking for.

Thank you.

J of Team J and B

[kittykatwoman 0]

I'm not sure I want to do it.

[Ladylethal 12]

I'm still not sure what I plan to do. I might get citizenship, especially to be able to apply for certain federal jobs.

[Nikita2Charles 32]

Another aspect of getting the citizenship

Don't have to worry about staying outside of the country for 6months with worry that you'll be considered abandoning your residency.

I had an offer to work on a project in Singapore, since my wife is still in the process of removing of condition, she can't follow me there, hopefully once she gets us citizenship we can settle anywhere in the world we would like to. Even working for awhile in India is also an option, that way she can come back at anytime without worrying about the immigration process.

[Team J and B 2]

Great answers, everyone. Keep 'em coming!

I'm new to this forum so I screwed up by posting this thread twice in this forum. This thread has the poll option, the other with the same title doesn't.

[Fuzzness 2]

I will get citizenship. Makes it cheaper than having to renew green card every 10 years.

[Marilyn. 340]

my hubby wants me to become a citizen but I am not sure yet....

I am eligible next year but I think I might wait awhile ... we will see how I feel next year....

Edited July 22, 2007 by MarilynP

[bora bora 1]

I voted for my husband since he's the non-USC. He's still in the process of getting his GC so it's a bit hard to say. But, he says it is an option for him in the future.

[Nancy2015 2]

At this point in my life, I'm not sure.

It's a very serious commitment. I don't want to use U.S. citizenship as a tool for traveling to Europe visa-free or being able to live abroad for an unlimited amount of time. I want to make sure that I have 100% loyalty to this country before I say the oath. I mean, I will have to swear to be ready to bear arms to protect this country, and to me, this are not mere words - I would have to mean what I'm saying! At this time, I have to say, all my loyalty is with Russia, and unless it changes in the future, I won't be applying for citizenship.

[eric_and_teresa 10]

I have no intentions to apply for the U.S. citizenship, my fiance says he's ok with whatever I decide to do.

[Team J and B 2]

Thanks for letting me know about the applying for federal jobs aspect. So becoming American means:

1) you can vote (big woot)

2) you can appy for federal jobs

That it?

I'm also undecided. The fiance wants me to become American, but so far I've stood my ground. I've also stood my ground on keeping my surname. But if he becomes persistent, we may need to sit down and have a chat when the time comes. But for now, it's no to taking on another citizenship and no to ridding my own surname.

(Right now, the only way I'd take on American citizenship is if he could take on Canadian citizenship as well. But he'd have to have lived in Canada for a few years before that can happen, afaik.)

Thanks for the insight so far, y'all.

[nate&nid 0]

Did a little research ....

Some advantages of becoming a US citizen:

1. The right to vote, jury duty (haven't decided yet if this is an advantage or disadvantage, but will put it here).

2. Can hold certain jobs (there are certain kinds of jobs which require various kinds of security clearances, requiring US citizenship) - not only Federal jobs, but also for many companies under contract with the US Government.

3. Security from the ever-changing Immigration laws and from deportation!

4. The right to live or work outside the U.S. or take long trips, and return to the US.

5. Special rights, protections, and services offered to Americans when traveling outside the US (many countries waive visa requirements for US passport holders).

6. Increased ability to help family members immigrate.

7. Eligibility for many public benefits.

8. No paperwork of renewing certificates of naturalization, less residency requirements.

9. Becoming a U.S. citizen can help your children. Unmarried permanent resident children under age 18 automatically become citizens when both parents or a single parent with child custody becomes a citizen.

10. In certain states (Oklahoma for example), only US citizens are eligible to obtain personal concealed carry permits for weapons.

Some disadvantages to becoming a US citizen:

1. Selective Service. “Many people believe that if they do not become a US citizen, they might be able to avoid the military draft. This assumption is not correct. Any male residing in the US must register for the draft, even if he is residing in the country without any legal status. If there is a military emergency, the law may seek to draft citizen and non-citizen alike. Therefore, avoiding the draft is not reason to stop from naturalizing. If you are required to fight for US, you might as well have all the advantages of being a citizen of this country.”

2. Your native country may not allow dual citizenship.

3. Carrying a U.S. passport may be a security risk in some countries.

4. You may not be allowed to serve your home country in times of conflict.

5. If you become a U.S. citizen, property ownership in your native country may be a problem (this is very true in Thailand, has Nid really thinking about this!)

6. You may need a work permit to work in your native country if you are a U.S. citizen (again true for Thailand).

7. You must pass basic English and U.S. government/history tests, which require alot of study and preparation.

8. You may lose your right to vote in your native country.

[Cassie 8]

For me, it depends on various circumstances:

If there ever comes a time when I would have to renounce my Canadian citizenship to gain American citizenship, then I will never become an American citizen.

If we decide to live in Canada for any length of time, then we will seriously consider it.

If we decide to split our time between the two countries, then we will seriously consider it.

Long story short, I haven't decided yet.

Edited July 23, 2007 by Cassie

[~Nini~ 2]

For me, I don't know how comfortable I would be to get US citizenship. To vote and the rest of the benefits... eh, I dunno. I know I don't have to give up my Canadian citizenship to get US citizenship, but in a way, it feels like I do.

Bee's family wants me to get it, but only because they want me to vote. Bee also wants to get Canadian citizenship, but since we have to live in Canada before he can obtain it, that may be difficult.

No easy answer, either way.

[Cdnwmn 0]

I've just printed off the forms for citizenship tonight. Will work on them tomorrow morning and will send out tomorrow afternoon. It's more for my 16 year old son's sake than for mine. Got to get it in before the fee hike.