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

[trawnapanda.livejournal.com]

while it is the ready target of jokes and humour, as one who has done the immigrant and different citizenship thang, it is a serious decision.

might I recommend perusing our mutual friend Chris Hansen's website? he has a significant section devoted to dual citizenship, US/something else

[apparentparadox]

The US taxes citizens regardless of where they are living when they make their money. Thus, if you decided to move back to Canada, you'd still have to file US tax returns until you die. Granted, you get to "write off" any money you pay to Canada, so you probably won't have to send the US a check, but you'll have to file a tax return every year. If you renounce US citizenship, then you're forever barred from entering the US again. This guy has lots of info on his website.

[urbear]

For what it's worth, the processing time will probably be less than you'd expect. I submitted my paperwork in late November, was fingerprinted in January, and interviewed a couple of weeks ago; the ceremony is scheduled for June 6. Your mileage may vary, of course.

[moofedct.livejournal.com]

On one hand, it's always good to have options; on the other hand, are your ties serious enough here that you'd want to be a citizen?

[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.