American Citizenship
 

I joined this forum yesterday and one of the moderators responded to a thread I posted on yesterday and she has got me thinking about perhaps seeking American Citizenship.

I have been in the US for 13 years. I came here through an inter-company transfer and have permanent residency. I never thought about becoming an American citizen and it has not crossed my mind. Now, I am considering it, but am asking myself if it's worth it. Considering I have no plans to move back to the UK, I've probably answered my own question there, but I am hoping to hear from others who have gone through the process and can inform me of the benefits - pros/cons?

I have a British passport and also Spanish citizenship, so this will be #3 for me. Aside from being able to breeze by immigration on a flight home, the ability to vote, being considered an 'American' (that part isn't really important to me) how has it made your lives easier?

Thanks everyone

Re: American Citizenship
 

You'll have to pretend that it is important to you. If you pretend sincerely enough, it may actually become important to you.

Re: American Citizenship
 

I'm a good actress.:sneaky:

Re: American Citizenship
 

OK you'll make a good citizen. To qualify you have to be a drama queen and have an overweening sense of entitlement.

Re: American Citizenship
 

What I really want is the ability to yell 'BUT I AM AN AMERICAN!' to anyone abroad that gets in my way like they do in the movies:wink_smile:

Re: American Citizenship
 

I'm working on #4 at this point.


Other than the reasons you've already mentioned, I don't know that it has. In the past 5 years, I have gained an acute sense of superiority with respect to world affairs... and I now feel a sense of entitlement to all things, but other than that, nothing much has changed.

Ian

Re: American Citizenship
 

For us, I don't have to wonder if they will let me back in after visiting Europe for a while.
I was gone 11 mths one time and that was pushing my luck. I don't want restrictions on how long I can go for in case of family emergencies etc.
I can be a drama queen and have a sense of entitlement if they really want me too :lol:

Re: American Citizenship
 

I have learned that its OK to shout at my friends across the table in a bar or restaurant so that everyone in the place can hear how clever my conversation is.

Re: American Citizenship
 

One thing, once you're a citizen you have to know how to salute the flag. The excuse "I'm just a foreigner (and/or a Democrat)" no longer applies.

Re: American Citizenship
 

Spain doesn't recognize dual citizenships do they?

Re: American Citizenship
 

Not sure if the rules have changed as I have not been there for many years. I remember as a kid my parents (who are both Spanish born) had to go through the process to make my sister and I citizens. This pertained to property they bought on our behalf - there were some rules around non-Spanish citizens buying property in Spain. Rules may have changed, I don't know - I haven't been back there and have no plans to visit anytime soon.

Re: American Citizenship
 

Annabella said a few months ago on this board that she will not become a US Citizen as it will automatically cancel her Spanish Citizenship.

Re: American Citizenship
 

Found this on the tinternet:

"new regulations regarding dual Spain and US citizenship went into effect in 2002. You should contact the Spanish embassy in Washington, DC."

So it maybe worth looking into what laws apply regarding your Spanish citizenship first and if gaining American citizenship would have any effect on it first. Hopefully they've changed in your favour :)

Re: American Citizenship
 

Thanks for that :) I guess they have changed then! I'll look into that situation before I make any decisions - thanks again!

Re: American Citizenship
 

And I hope you follow through, because I get a free toaster for the 10th successful applicant I recommend.

:rolleyes: