Is it worth my becoming a citizen?
Oct 21st 2008, 4:27 pm
#76
L2, GC, Surrey, OH, TX!
Joined: Aug 2007
Location: Surrey to Dallas (via Ohio)!
Posts: 6,363
Re: Is it worth my becoming a citizen?
the ultimate bonus has to be not having to ever deal with USCIS again for GC/visa renewals etc lol
Oct 21st 2008, 4:40 pm
#81
Concierge
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 46,392
Re: Is it worth my becoming a citizen?
Plus the fact with children who are USC, there is never the worry that Mom will be deported and not allowed back in or goes back to [fill in the country] and gives up her residency and then gets hasseled at the border about immigration intent.
So you get to vote, that is a plus; you might get called to jury duty, I consider it a duty and obligation and am happy to service, if you don't, find a way to squirm out of it as most people do; you can apply for a job that requires top security or US citizenship; you pay less in inheritance taxes.
Oct 21st 2008, 4:55 pm
#82
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2008
Location: Charles Town West Virginia
Posts: 1,220
Re: Is it worth my becoming a citizen?
That's an interesting characterization... what's cumbersome about the process?
I suppose you could call the wait lengthy, although the famous Ann Landers question comes to mind; yes it takes a year. What would you be a year from now if you didn't apply? IOW, the time is going to pass regardless.
I was just writing to someone who didn't realize he can be a dual citizen and in describing the oath ceremony I said it's a little hokey, but I still remember my mother's natz ceremony from the mid 70s, and my DH's was quite moving as well.
It might mean more to your family than you know.
I suppose you could call the wait lengthy, although the famous Ann Landers question comes to mind; yes it takes a year. What would you be a year from now if you didn't apply? IOW, the time is going to pass regardless.
I was just writing to someone who didn't realize he can be a dual citizen and in describing the oath ceremony I said it's a little hokey, but I still remember my mother's natz ceremony from the mid 70s, and my DH's was quite moving as well.
It might mean more to your family than you know.
Oct 21st 2008, 5:14 pm
#83
L2, GC, Surrey, OH, TX!
Joined: Aug 2007
Location: Surrey to Dallas (via Ohio)!
Posts: 6,363
Oct 21st 2008, 5:23 pm
#84
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2008
Location: Charles Town West Virginia
Posts: 1,220
Re: Is it worth my becoming a citizen?
I am happy to jury duty and I can't wait to vote. So bottom line then it was time and place for me that made it so lengthy and cumbersome. Whatever, it's done now and it's not like I had to give up being British.
Oct 21st 2008, 7:19 pm
#85
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,170
Re: Is it worth my becoming a citizen?
Those who here through marriage and still married at time of eligibility can apply 3 years minus 90 days of receiving the greencard, and it's 90 days, not 3 months.
Those in the US armed forces that are posted on active duty can apply straight away, those who get killed will be given it posthumous straight away etc.
Anyway, the wiki already goes into many of the pro and cons....but the biggest one would be, especially if you've got kids here, you don't have to worry about immigration changes down the line that'll bar you from being in the US for whatever reason. Also if you've eligible to get a US pension, only USC's can have it deposited abroad....and you get much better tax breaks on inheritance, well kids will when you carp it.
Oct 21st 2008, 7:55 pm
#86
Banned
Joined: Sep 2008
Location: Tampa Bay area.
Posts: 1,429
Re: Is it worth my becoming a citizen?
Different things for different people, to me it's a pointless exercise.
