I would refuse American Citizenship because I don't believe the healthcare and work/life balance is decent enough in America.

I have had my eyes opened in the last two weeks since being here, I'm sure it's right for most people who emigrate to the US, but I will be happy when my 6 mo contract is up xx Sarah

IME, many Brit expats take citizenship because they don't want to live in America! Weird, eh?

If I stay in US long enough, I will be eligible under O1 visa for citizenship. I politely told INS in my O1 interview I would refuse point blank.

They seemed to dislike me after that xx Sarah

Why? Dual citizenship opens up your options. Having the right to live and work wherever and whenever on either of the two continents without hassle is a great benefit. You're cutting off your nose despite your face.

Anyways...you've been here a couple of months, and the opportunity to take US citizenship is a long way off. I really wouldn't worry about it at this time except insofar as making sure I left my options open and didn't burn bridges.

My skills as a scientist, the Americans are getting at a bonus. I work for a British company in NC, and I'm very careful not to give too much away. I signed the Official Secrets Act and my loyalty lies with HM Government.

I'd rather benefit my country than give away trade secrets. xx Sarah

Okay...let's try it another way.

Read here and tell me where you believe you are in the progression. Then tell me whether you believe at that stage in the progress it is sensible to make decisions about whether or not you might eventually live permanently in another country.

Oh, lol, I'm in none of that bullshit I'm here for 6 mo only

Maybe yes, maybe no. But you have a great opportunity to experience America if you want. Don't dismiss it yet.

ummm whats that got to do with whether or not u consider US citizenship? Can be a benefit for some. Personal choice for everyone. Personally I would like to be able to leave the US without having to worry about losing my status, but thats just me.

But you've progressed through the hostile stage!

Well I agree with you that the health care system sucks and the work/life balance also sucks. However there are few of us (on this forum) born here who don't have citizenship anywhere else.

Is there anything you feel someone could personally do about the situation? or is it hopeless in your opinion?

This is a serious question because I'm very open to suggestions other than "run"! because I can't!

I really sympathise with you because its a commercial ( profit related ) health service. I still have UK BUPA coverage in US, but I believe Blue Cross Blue Shield in NC do a good job.

There are hospitals here that do operate and give treatment, regardless of insurance. Its just they are hard to find and by word of mouth.

I do not feel altogether 100% safe with US healthcare. Its money driven.

xx Sarah

It's not a one size fits all. I've been here 14 years. Came here after there was no obvious pathway forward for me in the UK. Back then I thought I'd be gone pretty fast too. But the US paid for my PhD and paid living expenses during that time. Now when I go back to the UK it's like visiting a foreign country. These days I'm a scientist working for the US government, and there are very compelling reasons why I should not actively use my right to UK citizenship. You may think it a sell-out, but in some ways the US has given me more than the UK did. Either way, it's my home now.

Thats quite a good argument. I hope you find health and prosperity there, its just a nagging doubt at the back of my mind over Healthcare.

Its a very materialistic society, the drug ads on TV, "ask your doctor if Cialis is right for you" Its consumer driven, and after a period of about 50-150 years America will feel comfortable with itself, rather like the former British Empire, circa 1900.

Its how you treat the people at the bottom, rather than the people at the top which determines and gives an accurate reading of a civilisation.

It is to my amazement that a World Superpower cannot provide sustenance and security to its lower third of society.

Maybe I have read too much Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill, but I believe in looking after the poor, the sick and the needy, no matter what taxation demands. A caring society is a good society. XX Sarah