OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Feb 16th 2011, 5:17 pm
#3256
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Don't know if this is relevant to this thread, but thought I would add this.
I feel I have the best of both worlds. I was born in England many, many moons ago. I am still a British citizen and a permanent resident in the states. I have lived in the states almost my entire life..but for whatever reason, simply cannot bring myself to become a US citizen. My children are American born. They have all encouraged me to keep my British citizen status...they are quite fine with their mom being an 'immigrant' in the US.
My permanent resident status/living in the US, as far as my life is concerned, is actually not much different than being a full-fledged US citizen. My English mom who brought me to the states, also never became an American citizen, she too was a permanent resident. She passed away still holding tight to her British citizenship, to include her noticeable English accent. I have an American born brother who has lived in England since around 15 yrs of age. He has no desire to return to the states, ever. He is retired now....and I envy him!!
I'm retired now in the states...and our present govt' appears to be Senior Citizen Unfriendly! 
I feel I have the best of both worlds. I was born in England many, many moons ago. I am still a British citizen and a permanent resident in the states. I have lived in the states almost my entire life..but for whatever reason, simply cannot bring myself to become a US citizen. My children are American born. They have all encouraged me to keep my British citizen status...they are quite fine with their mom being an 'immigrant' in the US.
My permanent resident status/living in the US, as far as my life is concerned, is actually not much different than being a full-fledged US citizen. My English mom who brought me to the states, also never became an American citizen, she too was a permanent resident. She passed away still holding tight to her British citizenship, to include her noticeable English accent. I have an American born brother who has lived in England since around 15 yrs of age. He has no desire to return to the states, ever. He is retired now....and I envy him!! I'm retired now in the states...and our present govt' appears to be Senior Citizen Unfriendly! 
Feb 16th 2011, 5:18 pm
#3257
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Dontheturner....I can just see you muching on all the junk food to get rid of it before you leave. Your wife will need some TLC when she gets back to you leaving her daughter and grandchild will be hard for her. But she does have an exciting life ahead of her. Can just see you sitting up with the pilots having fun. The trip will go past fast for you. Lucky Tim will let you go I hold on to Moe and just about let him to to the loo.
Thats for the offer of the seat. I had one with Rodney as well. Just cant seem to make it to the airport.
Cheers...Whats sex
Beedubya.....What do you do on a plane for that length of time. I thought 7 hours was long enough. Your son decided to move back to Australia did he not like the UK or was he just having a break. Will be nice when you get on that plane and sit down you will probably sleep for the whole flight.
Between Two Worlds...Citizenship....I did it because I am not sure how things will work out and I didnt want to be caught in an awful situation. To be honest when I took the oath it was fine. I looked upon what was in my heart that counts. Its just a formality for me. I have a US husband and children that live here so it just seemed the right thing to do. With some prodding from Rodney and others on here. I am sure thats how DDL will feel when she takes her UK Citizenship her heart will always belong to the US. Course she will be alot poorer after paying all that money.
Thats for the offer of the seat. I had one with Rodney as well. Just cant seem to make it to the airport. Cheers...Whats sex
Beedubya.....What do you do on a plane for that length of time. I thought 7 hours was long enough. Your son decided to move back to Australia did he not like the UK or was he just having a break. Will be nice when you get on that plane and sit down you will probably sleep for the whole flight.
Between Two Worlds...Citizenship....I did it because I am not sure how things will work out and I didnt want to be caught in an awful situation. To be honest when I took the oath it was fine. I looked upon what was in my heart that counts. Its just a formality for me. I have a US husband and children that live here so it just seemed the right thing to do. With some prodding from Rodney and others on here.
I am sure thats how DDL will feel when she takes her UK Citizenship her heart will always belong to the US. Course she will be alot poorer after paying all that money.
Feb 16th 2011, 5:26 pm
#3258
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Joined: Jan 2011
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Don't know if this is relevant to this thread, but thought I would add this.
I feel I have the best of both worlds. I was born in England many, many moons ago. I am still a British citizen and a permanent resident in the states. I have lived in the states almost my entire life..but for whatever reason, simply cannot bring myself to become a US citizen. My children are American born. They have all encouraged me to keep my British citizen status...they are quite fine with their mom being an 'immigrant' in the US. My permanent resident status/living in the US, as far as my life is concerned, is actually not much different than being a full-fledged US citizen. My English mom who brought me to the states, also never became an American citizen, she too was a permanent resident. She passed away still holding tight to her British citizenship, to include her noticeable English accent. I have an American born brother who has lived in England since around 15 yrs of age. He has no desire to return to the states, ever. He is retired now....and I envy him!! I'm retired now in the states...and our present govt' appears to be Senior Citizen Unfriendly!
I feel I have the best of both worlds. I was born in England many, many moons ago. I am still a British citizen and a permanent resident in the states. I have lived in the states almost my entire life..but for whatever reason, simply cannot bring myself to become a US citizen. My children are American born. They have all encouraged me to keep my British citizen status...they are quite fine with their mom being an 'immigrant' in the US.
My permanent resident status/living in the US, as far as my life is concerned, is actually not much different than being a full-fledged US citizen. My English mom who brought me to the states, also never became an American citizen, she too was a permanent resident. She passed away still holding tight to her British citizenship, to include her noticeable English accent. I have an American born brother who has lived in England since around 15 yrs of age. He has no desire to return to the states, ever. He is retired now....and I envy him!! I'm retired now in the states...and our present govt' appears to be Senior Citizen Unfriendly! See no reason at my age (59) to be a St Lucia citizen as nobody would hire me at this age even if I were a citizen and the only other agro is the need to get my passport stamped every six months but really DUAL is best of both worlds but in my view hypocritical as you have nothing at stake if things turn sour in your place of residence as unlike the other locals you can turn tail and run ... if need be and the grass is actually greener.......
Best to keep dual citizenship quiet.
At the back of my mind though is the ultimate intention to spend more time in the UK after being away for what will have been forty years. Hence my participation in this board.
Feb 16th 2011, 5:32 pm
#3259
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Between Two Worlds...Citizenship....I did it because I am not sure how things will work out and I didnt want to be caught in an awful situation. To be honest when I took the oath it was fine. I looked upon what was in my heart that counts. Its just a formality for me. I have a US husband and children that live here so it just seemed the right thing to do. With some prodding from Rodney and others on here.
I am sure thats how DDL will feel when she takes her UK Citizenship her heart will always belong to the US. Course she will be alot poorer after paying all that money.I just wanted to reassure DDL that I do love her country, it's just that the oath made me so uncomfortable--not to do with the taking up arms part, but with the renouncing all former allegiance part--which of course I don't intend to do! So felt wrong to swear I would.
I think we've compared oaths on this forum before, and Britain doesn't make
you swear to renounce all former allegiance....very different.
As I say, I may have to give in and do it in the end...we'll see, but I won't feel right about it, unless they change the words!
tina
Feb 16th 2011, 5:37 pm
#3260
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Joined: Sep 2009
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Don't know if this is relevant to this thread, but thought I would add this.
I feel I have the best of both worlds. I was born in England many, many moons ago. I am still a British citizen and a permanent resident in the states. I have lived in the states almost my entire life..but for whatever reason, simply cannot bring myself to become a US citizen. My children are American born. They have all encouraged me to keep my British citizen status...they are quite fine with their mom being an 'immigrant' in the US. My permanent resident status/living in the US, as far as my life is concerned, is actually not much different than being a full-fledged US citizen. My English mom who brought me to the states, also never became an American citizen, she too was a permanent resident. She passed away still holding tight to her British citizenship, to include her noticeable English accent. I have an American born brother who has lived in England since around 15 yrs of age. He has no desire to return to the states, ever. He is retired now....and I envy him!! I'm retired now in the states...and our present govt' appears to be Senior Citizen Unfriendly!
I feel I have the best of both worlds. I was born in England many, many moons ago. I am still a British citizen and a permanent resident in the states. I have lived in the states almost my entire life..but for whatever reason, simply cannot bring myself to become a US citizen. My children are American born. They have all encouraged me to keep my British citizen status...they are quite fine with their mom being an 'immigrant' in the US.
My permanent resident status/living in the US, as far as my life is concerned, is actually not much different than being a full-fledged US citizen. My English mom who brought me to the states, also never became an American citizen, she too was a permanent resident. She passed away still holding tight to her British citizenship, to include her noticeable English accent. I have an American born brother who has lived in England since around 15 yrs of age. He has no desire to return to the states, ever. He is retired now....and I envy him!! I'm retired now in the states...and our present govt' appears to be Senior Citizen Unfriendly! There are also some financial issues for those of us married to US citizens...something to do with inheritance if the US spouse dies, some sort of extra tax we would have to pay if not citizens....other forum members can scold me with some justice over this, as I simply haven't looked into it properly, which is foolish. I THINK I read that the extra tax can be avoided if you open a sort of trust, and you can do it even if the spouse has already died...so after I read that I stopped investigating...silly!
Tina
Feb 16th 2011, 6:12 pm
#3261
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Posts: 351
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
I'm curious as to how the US government is unfriendly to senior citizens. Do you mean they don't get all the added benefits that older adults in the UK get (free bus pas, etc.)? To an extent I think that is balanced out by the puny UK pension vs. the typical US pension.
Full social security retirement age for my age group is 66 and the age of 65 is the eligibility requirement for many city senior programs.I have talked at length with my retired brother (and his ex-wife) in England (he's 61), we have compared dollar to pound in retirement benefits....my brother is well ahead of me in the game of govt retirement benefits. At the very least he has national health care, I have none.
Hopefully no one will say...that national health care is not good. Not long ago I worked full-time, paid a very high monthly premium, high deductibles...and still would wait sometimes 3 HOURS to see the doctor!! To add insult to injury, the day before Thanksgiving the owner of the company, came in to tell us employees, that of the 1st of the next year...ALL benefits would cease, even the ones the employees contributed to...like health insurance. We were told we should just be happy that we had a job! Well and a Very Happy Thanksgiving to you to! May I ask what you believe to be the "typical US pension"? Which would then be the Social Security retirement benefit.
I am very much an American in thought and culture wise...still America really lags behind (re: social programs) many of the other Western countries and I'm not afraid to say so. Thanks for your response and question!
Feb 16th 2011, 6:24 pm
#3262
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Interesting, Chris. Yes, life is pretty much the same for a permanent resident as for a citizen--except you can't work for the Federal govt, and you can't vote. A lot of people feel, understandably, very strongly that they want to vote in the place where they live, and that's often a motive for taking citizenship.
There are also some financial issues for those of us married to US citizens...something to do with inheritance if the US spouse dies, some sort of extra tax we would have to pay if not citizens....other forum members can scold me with some justice over this, as I simply haven't looked into it properly, which is foolish. I THINK I read that the extra tax can be avoided if you open a sort of trust, and you can do it even if the spouse has already died...so after I read that I stopped investigating...silly!
Tina
There are also some financial issues for those of us married to US citizens...something to do with inheritance if the US spouse dies, some sort of extra tax we would have to pay if not citizens....other forum members can scold me with some justice over this, as I simply haven't looked into it properly, which is foolish. I THINK I read that the extra tax can be avoided if you open a sort of trust, and you can do it even if the spouse has already died...so after I read that I stopped investigating...silly!
Tina
at the TV when the nut-jobs are speaking and encourage my adult children (and adult grandchildren) to actively participate in politics, to vote.. and they do. Don't know anything about the 'inheritance' tax...but should the American spouse pass away and you are on the insurance policy as beneficiary..there should be no problem. My deceased husband was American born, though there was no life insurance to be had...he had been ill for a long time.
Feb 16th 2011, 6:33 pm
#3263
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Here in the Caribbean I have similar circumstances... spouse a citizen of St Lucia (but dual) son same (dual) but born in Bermuda moi just UK.
See no reason at my age (59) to be a St Lucia citizen as nobody would hire me at this age even if I were a citizen and the only other agro is the need to get my passport stamped every six months but really DUAL is best of both worlds but in my view hypocritical as you have nothing at stake if things turn sour in your place of residence as unlike the other locals you can turn tail and run ... if need be and the grass is actually greener.......
Best to keep dual citizenship quiet.
At the back of my mind though is the ultimate intention to spend more time in the UK after being away for what will have been forty years. Hence my participation in this board.
See no reason at my age (59) to be a St Lucia citizen as nobody would hire me at this age even if I were a citizen and the only other agro is the need to get my passport stamped every six months but really DUAL is best of both worlds but in my view hypocritical as you have nothing at stake if things turn sour in your place of residence as unlike the other locals you can turn tail and run ... if need be and the grass is actually greener.......
Best to keep dual citizenship quiet.
At the back of my mind though is the ultimate intention to spend more time in the UK after being away for what will have been forty years. Hence my participation in this board.
Though, of course...I am torn..what about my kids and grandkids? I have been doing some serious thinking as of late...and is why I have chosen to participate here as well. And there is always the really great benefits of forums...you meet new people and if lucky enough (as I have been)...make some new friends too!
Feb 16th 2011, 6:52 pm
#3264
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
We will have none of that on here!
(no sex please we're British)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/20...study-laziness
(no sex please we're British)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/20...study-laziness
Feb 16th 2011, 7:15 pm
#3266
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
I just read this someplace under the title of good things about the UK written by an American..
The fact that Sarah Palin doesnt have a say in politics
The fact that materialistic lifestyle,looks and status are not as important
The fact that people have a good clue of the world outside
The stunning landscape
The History
The laid back lifestyle
Houses have character
The dry,witty sense of humor
The good reputation abroad
The multciulturalism
The only bad thing is that i wish i moved to the UK earlier!!!
So there!
The fact that Sarah Palin doesnt have a say in politics
The fact that materialistic lifestyle,looks and status are not as important
The fact that people have a good clue of the world outside
The stunning landscape
The History
The laid back lifestyle
Houses have character
The dry,witty sense of humor
The good reputation abroad
The multciulturalism
The only bad thing is that i wish i moved to the UK earlier!!!
So there!
Feb 16th 2011, 7:22 pm
#3267
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Joined: Jan 2011
Location: Tunbridge Wells KENT
Posts: 2,914
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
I just read this someplace under the title of good things about the UK written by an American..
The fact that Sarah Palin doesnt have a say in politics
The fact that materialistic lifestyle,looks and status are not as important
The fact that people have a good clue of the world outside
The stunning landscape
The History
The laid back lifestyle
Houses have character
The dry,witty sense of humor
The good reputation abroad
The multciulturalism
The only bad thing is that i wish i moved to the UK earlier!!!
So there!
The fact that Sarah Palin doesnt have a say in politics
The fact that materialistic lifestyle,looks and status are not as important
The fact that people have a good clue of the world outside
The stunning landscape
The History
The laid back lifestyle
Houses have character
The dry,witty sense of humor
The good reputation abroad
The multciulturalism
The only bad thing is that i wish i moved to the UK earlier!!!
So there!
The fact that the people have a sense of fair play ????
Feb 16th 2011, 7:27 pm
#3268
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Posts: 2,606
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Hello Chris and welcome to the to the Forum, it seems you have plenty to say and I for one have open ears so keep posting...
I compare myself with my inlaws in the UK my age and they have such a better life at least from where Im sitting, very few real worries, all have jobs, health coverage, Nice homes, Nice cars and four weeks vacation while I struggle.
Your Kids/Grandkids mental struggle is one that many have here on this thread, Its a difficult situation for some, My sister would love to go back to the UK but cant because she has kids and grandkids, all are very close, it tears my sister up just talking about the subject.
Again Welcome.
I compare myself with my inlaws in the UK my age and they have such a better life at least from where Im sitting, very few real worries, all have jobs, health coverage, Nice homes, Nice cars and four weeks vacation while I struggle.
Your Kids/Grandkids mental struggle is one that many have here on this thread, Its a difficult situation for some, My sister would love to go back to the UK but cant because she has kids and grandkids, all are very close, it tears my sister up just talking about the subject.
Again Welcome.
Feb 16th 2011, 7:34 pm
#3269
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Posts: 351
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
I just read this someplace under the title of good things about the UK written by an American..
The fact that Sarah Palin doesnt have a say in politics
The fact that materialistic lifestyle,looks and status are not as important
The fact that people have a good clue of the world outside
The stunning landscape
The History
The laid back lifestyle
Houses have character
The dry,witty sense of humor
The good reputation abroad
The multciulturalism
The only bad thing is that i wish i moved to the UK earlier!!!
So there!
The fact that Sarah Palin doesnt have a say in politics
The fact that materialistic lifestyle,looks and status are not as important
The fact that people have a good clue of the world outside
The stunning landscape
The History
The laid back lifestyle
Houses have character
The dry,witty sense of humor
The good reputation abroad
The multciulturalism
The only bad thing is that i wish i moved to the UK earlier!!!
So there!
Thankfully the people of Britain, have the good commonsense not to have a 'Palin' amongst them. Or does the UK have someone comparable to Palin..god I hope not!! Someone even worse than Palin...Michelle Bachmann!
Feb 16th 2011, 7:46 pm
#3270
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Posts: 351
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Hello Chris and welcome to the to the Forum, it seems you have plenty to say and I for one have open ears so keep posting...
I compare myself with my inlaws in the UK my age and they have such a better life at least from where Im sitting, very few real worries, all have jobs, health coverage, Nice homes, Nice cars and four weeks vacation while I struggle.
Your Kids/Grandkids mental struggle is one that many have here on this thread, Its a difficult situation for some, My sister would love to go back to the UK but cant because she has kids and grandkids, all are very close, it tears my sister up just talking about the subject.
Again Welcome.
I compare myself with my inlaws in the UK my age and they have such a better life at least from where Im sitting, very few real worries, all have jobs, health coverage, Nice homes, Nice cars and four weeks vacation while I struggle.
Your Kids/Grandkids mental struggle is one that many have here on this thread, Its a difficult situation for some, My sister would love to go back to the UK but cant because she has kids and grandkids, all are very close, it tears my sister up just talking about the subject.
Again Welcome.
)...especially as I've gotten older. Once upon a time, I was very shy and didn't talk much at all.