A serious question for all Americans, please answer if you can help?

Question

OK I am considering finding a job offer in the US after graduation and moving to the USA (from UK).

What I'd like to know is, where is the best resource for finding out what is involved- is it any easier for a brit to become a US citizen than any other nationality as we have quite cordial Anglo-American relations?

And how would my rights differ from an American born and bred? Presumably I'd be able to work, own my own home, marry and start a family without hinderance? What about uniquely American aspects of life in the states such the right to own a firearm etc etc?

Cheers!

Answer 1

No. British people get no different treatment in America. It just doesn't happen. They practically can do all the things an American can do.

Answer 2

I imagine it is at lot easier the US has immigration quotas so many from this country so many from that one. The U.K. is high up on the list I believe sad for folks in Bogata or Mexico City. If I were you I would go into a US embassy in London or Glascow and ask a rep there about applying for a green card (the card that allows you to work and function legally in society) and immigration. You may marry anyone at any time that's not restricted but if you are appling for citizenship and claiming the right by marriage the INS will interview you and your spouse. Nope once you actually become a citizen and swear in (there's a ceremony and all) You have the same rights as a native born it does take some time and it's a whole process no matter where you orginated from. Every state has different state laws about firearms and restrictions. There is a federal goverment and 50 states plus and every state has a different goverment and laws in them ( Federal and State laws) So it's a lot bigger and not as uniform as the UK otherwise not so different. House and flats are much much larger and public transportation isn't as smooth. Every State has a different flavor so research the one you'd like to move to. Seattle, Boston, and NY. NY have similar weather as the UK Seattle's prettier in my opinion. Also living costs vary area by area as well. Due to the recent actions by the Federal government and what's in senate right now (our paraliment) Immigration is a touchy issue right now. You could also look online for the state's you are interested in and email or write for information of the state and brouchers and they will send them to you... Best of luck and I hope you find what you are looking for!.

Answer 3

Yes. It is much easier for Brits (along with other peoples of Western European citizenship) to "immigrate" into the U.S.
If you obtain citizenship, you will be afforded almost every single right that a native born U.S. citizen would have. A notable exception is that you wpn't be able to run for the presidency...like you would actually want to do that!
Now if you do not get citizenship status and stay in the US on a Visa or something else of the sort, you are still afforded many rights; but not nearly as many as a citizen.
Hope this helps!

Answer 4

first if you want to work you will need a work visa, or permit. this will allow you to stay in the US for 3 years at a time. while you have that you can apply for a green card which will allow you to stay here forever, or you could marry an american man/woman and get a green card that way. i dont know about owning a firearm, but you would have most rights that all americans are granted. and no, it is not easier for Brits to come here, it is the same for all

Answer 5

Here seems to be the best site.

http://www.workpermit.com/us/citizenship.htm

Green card holders in the US enjoy many of the same rights of US citizens. Normally, green card holders can live in the US as long as they desire and then can work for almost every kind of employer. However, US citizenship allows some important additional benefits that should be considered.


Here are some good reasons why you should consider becoming a US citizen, once you have determined if you are eligible:


1. Patriotism and Voting - If you are making your permanent home in America, you probably want to fully participate in the US democracy, so becoming a citizen is vital. Generally speaking, only citizens in this country can vote. Voting is the easiest way to influence the way the country is run.


2. Retaining residency- The only way to guarantee you will forever have the right to remain in the US is to naturalize. US permanent residents are always at risk of losing their green cards if they spend long periods of time outside the US. Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, this has become a serious problem and more and more people are losing their residency status because they are deemed by port of entry officers as having abandoned their permanent residency in the US. Please visit workpermit.com's guide for maintaining your US permanent residence status to make sure you are fulfilling your obligations as a permanent resident.


3. Deportation - If you are ever convicted of a crime - and not necessarily a very serious crime - there is a risk of being deported. Once you become a citizen, with rare exceptions, you retain your citizenship even if you run into criminal problems.


4. Government benefits - Some US permanent residents are restricted from access to the same public benefits as citizens. And in recent years, there has been more and more talk of making additional kinds of public benefits only available to citizens. The only way to ensure that this will not ever be a problem is to become a naturalized US citizen.


5. Immigration for family members - US citizens receive priority treatment when it comes to bringing in family members. Citizens over 21 years of age can sponsor family members without waiting on a queue for a visa to become available. The same is true for spouses of US citizens and minor children of US citizens. US citizens can also sponsor adult children and siblings, though the waits in these categories can be a few to several years. Green card holders, on the other hand, cannot sponsor parents or siblings. And the wait to bring in children and spouses are much longer than for citizens.


6. Federal jobs - Certain types of jobs with government agencies require US citizenship. This is particularly true for jobs in the energy and defense sectors.


7. Running for political office - Many types of elected positions in this country require the officeholder to be a US citizen.


8. Tax consequences - US citizens and permanent residents are not always treated the same for tax purposes. This is particularly true for estate taxes.


9. Federal grants - While many federal grants are available to permanent residents, more and more are only available to US citizen applicants.


10. Political contributions - While green card holders can legally donate money to campaigns if they are residing in the US, it is not clear that green card holders residing abroad - even temporarily - can do so.

Answer 6

It can take several years to get citizenship but surprisingly, as I found out when I started to work here in Florida 10 Years ago, having a visa entitles you to just about everything citizenship guarentees- the only big thing is the right to a medical card BUT THAT IS IT, I SWEAR!
You can still own guns, pay taxes and allif you are on a working permit and it is a terrific country with great people. Hope that helped you.

Answer 7

You will get no special consideration under law, but if an immigration agent takes a liking to you, he might favour you on a personal level. Then again he might do the opposite if he doesn't take to you. Your rights will be curtailed in that you will never be able to run for President of the United States. If you can live with that, good luck.
Yeah, Americans are fire-arms crazy. A bit of lunacy there.

Answer 8

Well, if you're British better be happy. You have HUGE opportunities in America compared to citizens of other countries even allies countries. It's hard for them to get visa and even harder Green card. They're watching you all the time(even you're not Arabian originated and with blond hair :) ) America is extremely unfriendly to foreigners. And British are elite among foreigners for America. You can live there like American and no one will recall it!

Answer 9

If I were you, I'd reask the question to "Brits who now live & work in the US" instead of to Americans. Americans, in general, might not understand what all is involved in this change nearly as well as others who have and still are going through the transition.

Good Luck!

Answer 10

As far as I know, unless your a Mexican, it is hard to immigrate here. They limit the numbers. But once you are a citizen you are afforded all rights under the constitution with the exception of being President.

Answer 11

after you become a citizen, then you have all the rights of americans, my spanish teacher's wife is becoming a citizen and i think its taken her like 4 years or something, and she takes all these classes and stuff, i guess to learn about history and the constitutional rights. thats pretty much all i know.