Eligibility

[bjarvis]

My fifth anniversary of obtaining permanent residency in the US occurred this past Tuesday. Technically, I could now apply for US citizenship.

I'm still uncertain about whether or not to proceed but I'm feeling less opposed to the idea now that gov't checks & balances seem to be gradually returning to what they should be.

My status is good for another five years so even presuming it will take 12-18 months for processing if I decide to proceed, I have lots of time to give this the serious thought and consideration it deserves.

Comments

[abqdan.livejournal.com]

Well, I took the plunge back in 2003 having lived in the US since 95. I figured if I was going to live in a country, I needed to be part of the electorate.

I'm sure the laws are different for Canada, but for Britain, it turned out I can't actually give up my British citizenship; however, the US does not recognize dual nationality for a British subject who becomes naturalized. The result is that I am American in America and British in Britain! Since I swore an oath not to have allegiance to any country other than America, I only travel on my American passport, though theoretically I could use a British one (I let my British passport expire last year).

It is a difficult decision; I hope you figure out the right thing for you.

[bjarvis.livejournal.com]

My maternal grandmother does much the same: she has dual citizenship (US & Canada) so she travels to Europe on her Canadian passport, to the US on her US passport.

It is possible to renounce Canadian citizenship, but it is difficult requiring an official swearing and signing an affidavit before a gov't official and such hoops. I could easily retain dual citizenship but would essentially be American while in the US.

Fortunately, there is no need to rush into a decision.