Bijilo123

Actually I'd not be an american with a barge pole.

innit!!

robin1234

How about you; you speak for yourself, sensible people, or both? Or sometimes the one and sometimes the other??

nun

I lived the first 24 years of my life in the UK and lived the next 25 in the US. I have US citizenship, but I'm not American, I still think and feel I'm British. However, when I go back to the UK I realize that the country has changed and my American-ness starts to appear. It's small daily life things like "ok where's the bagel to go with this smoked salmon".

The OP, having grown up in the US, runs the danger of only having UK citizenship when she might actually feel American and that sounds like a slightly schizophrenic situation. It's difficult to know exactly how you identify yourself until you step out of your familiar surroundings.

Bijilo123

Well, I don't speak for you.

robin1234

OK, good for you. I will also avoid speaking for you.

(Not sure what that was all about?? )

fulwood

nun we have the same story.. moved here to US when 23 and now 49 so 26 years in US. I am British but have American ways and obviously accent. I make usual mistakes when going home, getting on wrong side of car, expecting someone to bag my groceries and standing there for mins like a wally untill lightbulb turns on.. I am going back soon for a month only but have prospect of a new career in US and looking forward to it. in few years time will weigh up pros and cons of living in US/UK..

Jerseygirl

I think he's speaking for many of us.

I feel the same as Robin. I've been a USC for over 3 years but don't feel like I'm an American at all. I am British and feel British...nothing will ever change that.

Bijilo123

Well, why not be British then?

nun

Agreed, I had to make a big decision last year. My career is in optics and physics and I was offered a great job, working with many old colleagues, lots of money and working on very interesting programs, but I needed a security clearance which required that I give up my UK passport. I just couldn't do it

Jerseygirl

Nor could I. I wouldn't give up my UK citizenship for anything because that's who I am...a Brit and proud of it.