Advantages of US Citizenship?
 

Hi Folks,

Well, I've been asked a very interesting question by my spouse.... "What are the advantages of having a blue passport?" And, to be honest, I was stumped for answers....

Basically, I'm the American with dual nationality with UK. I've been in the UK for nearly 10 years. We don't like living here. However, we have a house in France that we can retire to in 5 years.

With the expense of the actual move, shipping of the dogs, selling the UK house, etc. and with the potential of medical coverage (my spouse is insulin-dependent diabetic) I'm not sure of what the medical coverage is like in America since I've been gone for so long.

So, I would love to hear from folks here of their opinions. What has been your experience? Are you glad you moved? What is your experience with medical? And, the general cost of living? Employment? (We're both IT professionals) We would like to return to New England (MA, CT, RI).


Thanks in advance!

Richard

Re: Advantages of US Citizenship?
 

So your query isn't really anything to do with citizenship, but rather about the cost/standard of living in the US? If you do a search, I think you will find a number of recent threads on that topic. But to answer one part of your query, health insurance is costly, but at least the Affordable Care Act does makes it available for one and all to purchase. New England is a lovely area in which to live, but it is pricey.

Re: Advantages of US Citizenship?
 

Advantage #1- You will be able to sponsor your spouse for a visa to join you in US. You didn't mention their citizenship, so I am assuming not US.

Re: Advantages of US Citizenship?
 

Re: Advantages of US Citizenship?
 

It's a big con.
No.
Barely satisfactory, extremely bureaucratic.
Expensive (CA).
No idea.

Re: Advantages of US Citizenship?
 

Thanks Sally! Really appreciate your honesty....


Anyone else??? Would really like to see a good conversation on this one...


Cheers!

Re: Advantages of US Citizenship?
 

A conversation about what? You're an American, are you looking to have a conversation about whether you want to renounce your U.S. citizenship, or whether your spouse should plan to obtain U.S. citizenship?

The wiki article mentioned covers many of the issues. Also this thread:
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=824194

Anything specific you have in mind?

Re: Advantages of US Citizenship?
 

Yes, Bob already posted a link to the Pros and Cons. Only you can decide what's important to you.

Re: Advantages of US Citizenship?
 

So many variables. If you get a good job or jobs in your respective fields, with good health insurance, southern New England could be a good place to live. For me, the weather there, excessively hot summers and long, cold winters makes it an unattractive place to live compared to England. Then there's mosquitoes, Lyme Disease, etc. May suit some people though.

Re: Advantages of US Citizenship?
 

Yes, but his question is on citizenship isn't it?
Not location.

Re: Advantages of US Citizenship?
 

"I've been in the UK for nearly 10 years. We don't like living here."

What is it that you don't like about living in the UK? What do you expect to be better in the US?

Re: Advantages of US Citizenship?
 

Oh, I dunno, better weather, more space, nicer food, friendlier people, bigger houses with bigger gardens, Ford Mustangs and Chevy Camaro's, Sundays of NFL.........

Re: Advantages of US Citizenship?
 

43F and snow showers for Monday.
a 6 hour round trip to civilisation. No thanks.
If you like HFCS, salt, growth hormones in your milk and meat, etc.
That reminds me, no one has accused me of stealing an American's job for at least a month. Oh joy.
Quantity is not quality. I'd prefer houses built with slightly more quality than a garden shed.
I'd rather have a car that can go around corners, thank you very much. I'd take a hot hatch over those monstrosities any time of day.
Men in tights and bike helmets on steroids. Watch the Six Nations and feel ashamed :rofl:

While we're at it, expensive quality food, no worthwhile job protection, no mandatory vacation allowance, a terrible and punitive healthcare system, crumbling infrastructure, a growing rich/poor divide, an "I'm alright Jack" attitude to others, a growing influence of the right wing christian fundamentalists in politics and social affairs, etc.

I was being serious in my original question. If the OP can say what he doesn't like about the UK, folks here can advise him if things are likely to be better for him in the US.

Re: Advantages of US Citizenship?
 

My goodness.... This doesn't sound too promising!

Sounds like the America I left 10 years ago, has turned into Sh1t! Is there anything positive?


Thanks again!

Richard

Re: Advantages of US Citizenship?
 

I don't get it...you've spent most of your life in the US and 10 years in the UK.
You, therefore, should have a good understanding of the difference between the two places.
What's your take?