Why wouldn't I want a US passport?!
Jul 21st 2009, 3:05 am
#17
Shocked of Redmond
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 3,446
Re: Why wouldn't I want a US passport?!
But it sounds like you've clearly and actively decided that you don't want it, and nobody is forcing you to take a US passport, so I don't see any problems here...
Jul 21st 2009, 4:47 am
#19
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 16,266
Re: Why wouldn't I want a US passport?!
yes, I mean naturalization. Sorry. In other words, why wouldn't I want to become a US citizen 
The tax issue is the only downside I've heard repeated. However, as a US resident I was under the impression I'm still subject to the same long arm of the INS as a citizen would be, wherever in the world I am. Are there any additional tax implications to consider as a citizen? I suppose I can never becomes a "non-resident" so would always be subject to US tax oversight, but to what extent to tax treaties between countries solve this dilemma?
The dual nationality issue is somewhat moot for a Brit AFAIK. Sure, the US doesn't like duel passports, but no-one need know about it as long as I don't flout my Britishness.
The tax issue is the only downside I've heard repeated. However, as a US resident I was under the impression I'm still subject to the same long arm of the INS as a citizen would be, wherever in the world I am. Are there any additional tax implications to consider as a citizen? I suppose I can never becomes a "non-resident" so would always be subject to US tax oversight, but to what extent to tax treaties between countries solve this dilemma?
The dual nationality issue is somewhat moot for a Brit AFAIK. Sure, the US doesn't like duel passports, but no-one need know about it as long as I don't flout my Britishness.
I've been following this thread with some interest. What you do is totally up to you.
I understand that being a non-citizen places some limits on estate planning. That is outside my bailiwick so I won't discuss it -- I simply don't know.
The US really doesn't care all that much about dual citizenship -- in fact a US passport notes the possibility and warns one that the US won't be able to protect one against actions by the country of other nationality [which I actually consider somewhat scary, but I digress]. About the only time I think the US has trouble with dual nationality these days is when a person tries to take advantage of BOTH nationalities contrary to the interests of the US Government. Mier Kahane, may he rest restlessly, was the last big expatriation suit I'm aware of regarding a natural-born AmCit. But to most people, dual nationality is not a problem.
If you are not a US citizen, you are not allowed the privilege of serving on a jury. [BTW, I don't know about other states, but California no longer limits its jury lists to voter rolls -- I often tell clients to respond to the jury summons with "Thanks, but no thanks, I am not a citizen."
I don't know the rules of drawing US Social Security if one retires abroad thereby giving up the green card.
Going back to taxes, since you can't vote, you are subject to "taxation without representation." I seem to recall that that rubric was part of the sloganeering of a revolution some times back.
The choice is yours. If you want to be an AmCit, welcome. If you don't, that is your choice. Good luck.
Jul 25th 2009, 11:55 pm
#20
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 10
Re: Why wouldn't I want a US passport?!
Do note that if you're a dual national that you might not be able to work for the US Govt or some contractors dealing with security clearances.....
