Does anyone have good answers they use when asked by Americans why they haven't chosen to become a U.S. citizen? I've been here 22 years, and it has never occurred to me to apply for naturalization (hubby is American - one in the family is enough) but the Americans around me seem to assume I have.
Once in a while, the question will come up, and I feel the obligation to reply, without implying that America isn't the envy of the rest of the world, and that not everyone here is desperate to become a citizen.
The last time this happened was clearing Immigration in Jacksonville, Florida. The IO said, "You've been here over 20 years, are you planning to apply for citizenship?" The best I could come up with was, "I'm waiting to see if I like it," lol He didn't laugh.
Suggestions?
Cant think of any reason why after 22 yrs you would,nt ,can think of a lot of reason why you should i did . smile
I always say to people I pay my taxes the same as you...
I like being an alien!!
After nearly fifteen years I still get asked too.
My reply is that I came here to be hubbys wife, and not to be an American citizen.
If that is questioned, I ask them if they would give up their US citizenship for any reason. When (as they always do) they give a resounding NO, I say that is how I feel about giving up my British status!
Still there are some people who cannot understand that anyone would prefer to be a citizen of another country other than the USA.
Maybe somebody else can correct me on this, but I don't think you have to give up your British Citizenship to gain US Citizenship. I think you can have dual citizenship - you only have to give that up if you join the armed services.
As for not wanting it, I think a good reason would be that you are sick of the INS paperwork, fees and delays!
On 2002-02-18 09:03, laceyd wrote:
Maybe somebody else can correct me on this, but I don't think you have to give up your British Citizenship to gain US Citizenship. I think you can have dual citizenship - you only have to give that up if you join the armed services.
As for not wanting it, I think a good reason would be that you are sick of the INS paperwork, fees and delays!
i have dual citizenship so you don't need to give up british citizenship to get us citizenship. if you are domicile in the country of your second nationality (US in my case), and are told to join the army, i can't say no, just because i am a british citizen, however, in joining, i would not lose my british citizenship. the only way, high unlikely though, that i could lose citizenship is if the UK and US get into a war among themselves.
the british government always regards one as a citizen, regardless of taking up nationality of another country. the only way to drop your citizenship is to renounce it in front of the britsh counsalate/embassy.
On 2002-02-18 09:03, laceyd wrote:
Maybe somebody else can correct me on this, but I don't think you have to give up your British Citizenship to gain US Citizenship. I think you can have dual citizenship - you only have to give that up if you join the armed services.
As for not wanting it, I think a good reason would be that you are sick of the INS paperwork, fees and delays!
You are correct ive been a dual citizen for years ..The issue of given up your brit status is never addressed. Imho if the only reason not to become an American is the thought of losing your brit nationality you may want to rethiink it ,becoming a American would enable you to get the best of both worlds , except in time of war ( very unlikely) then you would have to choose ..
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John,Austin,Texas
<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: JOHNA on 2002-02-18 11:03 ]</font>
Plus, it kinda sucks paying all those taxes, and not having a vote here! No taxation without representation!!
But if you reside in Florida - does having the right to vote make any difference....
I appreciate the input. Thank you, Melhug, for your understanding. I didn't know about the dual citizenship option. I will certainly keep it in mind. Maybe part of my problem is that I've had it too easy as a resident alien. By marrying an American, they just gave me my card and I've had it ever since. If they'd made me feel less welcome, I might have got off me bum and done something about it. I can't vote, but I can't get called for jury duty either. wink
Thanks again.
If people ask me I tell them "I dont want to vote and I dont want to be on a jury".
I've already been sent 2 jury summons letters in the 2 1/2 years I've lived in Plano. Thank you, but no thank you.
Regards
Nigel