englishinfl

I wouldn't exactly describe voting as "a benefit" lol wooooo I can vote! biiig deal.

Right now I don't think it's likely that I'll actually ever bother with applying for USC, but (before everyone on the website denounces me again as the devil for saying such an awful thing) I think the decision is exactly that, a personal one.
Got to weigh the pros and cons up and decide if it's for you.

pabby

When can one apply for US Citizenship?

Brit3964

This is true. As a new USC, I now have real power

callowman

IM with you EnglishinFL
Im a GC holder and have no plans to change.


Pabby- I believe you can apply for citizenship after 3 years if your married to a US citizen and 5 years if you are not married to one.


Callowman-Happy to be an Alien....

ElizabethK

Hello to all, I'm new on this website....finding it a bit confusing so far, but wanted to add my two penneth to this thread.
I just got my US citizenship on 23rd September, lived in USA for 12 years and to be honest I'm wondering now if I did the right thing
I was fine as a greencard holder, and really only applied to be a USC incase I have to go for lengthy periods to UK look after ailing parents/in-laws, nevertheless I can't help feeling a bit like I've rejected a long time friend, even though I know I do still retain UK citizenship....it's sort of like I'm 'two-timing'.

Anyway now I have citizenship, so be it BUT my dilemma is this. Travelling from US for, say 2 weeks..... when leaving America I have to show US passport, correct? Upon entering UK border control, do I show my British passport? If I do, then there will be no stamp on it, nor on US passport, so upon returning back into USA am I going to be questioned why I have nothing stamped to show where I have been?
Please, if anyone knows or has been down this path, let me know what I should do,
Thank You,
Liz

SecretGarden

That's precisely another reason to try to scrape the money together to do it. We've seen a dramatic increase recently in the fees associated with petitions and applications. There's no telling how much they're going to try to charge in a couple of years for a citizenship application or to renew a ten year greencard!



~SG

Scott33

Use the passport of the Country you are in at the time, whether departing or arriving. You are correct about the lack of stamp, so if it becomes an issue with immigration, just inform them you have dual nationality. That should be enough for them , but if it isn't just politely remind them what is written on page 7 of the US passport, and page 3 of the UK passport (new biometric versions) regarding dual citizens, and the agreement between both countries.

I think some of us may have that "guilty look" (which may arouse suspicion / prompt futher questioning) when there is absolutely no need to.

JAJ

There is no "agreement" on dual citizenship.

surly

My British Passport expired in 1995, I've never found the need to have two passports. I manage quite well with just the US passport.
Renewing the British Pp is waste of $265 in my opinion. Would you seriously hand over $265 to get through immigration a few minutes quicker?

If the Brit PP is such a big deal, just move back there and have done with it..

Jerseygirl

What does that have to do with the OP's original question?

Scott33

Legally, no there is no agreement... poorly worded on my part.

There are however, no penalties either country will enforce for holding two passports as far as entering and leaving those same countries, providing it is done on the correct passport. I have yet to have a problem with this.

Here is what is written in both passports:

UK
"A person having some connection with a commonwealth or foreign country (eg by descent by either parent, by marriage, or by residence) may be a national of that country, in addition to being a British national. Acquisition of british nationality or citizenship by a foreigner does not necessarily cause the loss of national origin."

US
"A person who has citizenship of more than one country at the same time is considered a dual citizen. A dual citizen may be subject to the laws of the other country that considers that person its citizen, while in that country's jurisdiction..//..Dual citizens who encounter problems abroad should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate".

Admittedly not an "agreement", but by the same token, an acknowledgement which is hardly discouraging.

surly

If you're in love with your British passport it might be a good idea to live where it is more beneficial to hold a British Passport.

Jerseygirl

You've still not answered my question...what did your post have to do with the OP's original question.

FWIW I didn't take the decision to become a USC lightly...I struggled with the decision for many years.

surly

No point in arguing with a mod that will ban you if they don't like the answer.

Jerseygirl

As far as I'm concerned your slate is clean...what's in the past stays in the past. Besides you're a proud Jag owner aren't you?