# So, when do I become a U.S citizen? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 20, 2007, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901 "2007-09-20T19:06:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Spiny\_Norman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@Spiny\_Norman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiny_Norman)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2007, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/21 "2007-09-22T20:11:10Z")
[QUOTE=Elendil’s Heir] No offense intended, I assure you, but that attitude kind of saddens me. Why stay here longterm and not become a citizen? Why not fully participate in the life of the nation? I’m glad you’re both here and I believe the United States is much better off when it’s welcoming to all, but… why that outlook? [/QUOTE] Well, personally I’ve come to realize that I am, in fact, a Dane - it’s not something you just shrug off. I’m not sure I could swear full allegiance to another country just like that. (Also, Denmark doesn’t recognize dual citizenship.) I’m definitely holding on to my Danish passport. I do try to spend time and money on the political process, to make up for my lack of voting. Not ideal, but it’s the best I can do. ---
**Author:** ![amarone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e0b2c6/32.png) [@amarone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarone)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2007, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/22 "2007-09-23T03:10:18Z")
[QUOTE=MrFloppy] Because I was born in the UK and for 25 years of my life I lived in the UK. I still ‘feel’ very British even after living here 20 years. Why should I give up my British-ness in order to vote and serve on a Jury and have a different colored passport. [/QUOTE] If you are married to an American, you may also want to check out the estate tax implications of not being a citizen. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901.md?page=1)