Pulaski

Yeah, that one is going to make an anxious mother feel a whole lot better!

mamasue

I became a USC (dual citizen) so I wouldn't have to deal with USCIS again....
Also. we like to travel and usually go away for a few months at a time...
didn't want to worry about re-entry permits and stuff.
Also.... it's quite nice not having to do fingerprints and stuff at US borders.

RICH

As he has lived here for 20 years already, it seems citizenship is not a big issue for him. I have been here 9 years and have been eligible for citizenship for the last 3 years. My research has not turned up any red flags for or against. There are tax issues for big earners etc.

I have my N400 filled out, just need the photos. Also, a spare $680 for the application is not always easy to come by.

Basically I am doing it because I can. Not that many get the opportunity.

penguinsix

My wife got her green card via work, but was able to get her citizenship after 3 years as I was the sponsor. (I think that's how it worked--put most of those files away awhile ago).

Point is he may be eligible now.

Zen10

I know there are tax issues with the US and citizenship, but I would still argue it's worth taking out. I am dual (British and Australian) which means I can access the entire EU and Australia and NZ. That means options. I presume because of NAFTA a US passport means you can access the three NA countries, as well as EU on your original British. It's good to have options.

Cardienscarf

It's $450 to renew a green card so worth adding the extra $230 at renewal time if not before.

Lbjen

One of my kids is a USC by birth so I'm getting citizenship as soon as possible just so that I have options down the line that don't compromise my abilities to live in the same country as him.

SultanOfSwing

Don't forget the $80.00 for your (presumably) third set of biometrics

Really, though, there are no actual downsides to dual citizenship. The overseas filing of tax returns comes up occasionally but from what I have read, you have to be earning a lot of money to actually end up owing any taxes in the US.

If there's a chance one might return to their country of birth, US citizenship gives them the opportunity to return to live as and when they want to. If the plan is to stay in the US, then citizenship makes sense as the final step in the emigration process.

Cardienscarf

It's $595.00 + $85.00 for biometrics for citizenship. $365.00 + $85.00 for green card renewal.

SultanOfSwing

It used to only be $80.00. I added it in twice though apparently.

MarylandNed

Right - and that's just one green card renewal. The US citizenship fee is a one-time deal. Putting off US citizenship could mean multiple green card renewals which ends up being more expensive in the long run.

Pulaski

Not exactly, the borders are not entirely open for people in the NAFTA area, .... it is easier for people to move, but only within certain occupations.

If the borders were "open", the legal issues of Mexican immigration to the US would magically disappear, ..... to be replaced by the logistical issue half the population of Mexico moving north over the US-Mexican border.

Zen10

Of course, good point. Still, having a US passport has its own value even without the promise of mango daiquiris in Cancun, delivered by a sultry Spanish-speaking waitress, perhaps about to come off her shift.

MarylandNed

There is no freedom of movement of workers within the 3 NAFTA countries. That is still subject to immigration control. Canadians wishing to live/work in the US still need visas...and vice versa.

RICH

Agreed, plus $140 odd for a first US passport, plus $20 for 4 passport photos at Walgreens (2 for N400, 2 for Passport), I discovered today