My next door neighbor moved here fom Benin. He's jumped through all the hoops. On Thursday, he will have the ceremony where he officially becomes a naturalized U.S. Citizen. We're having a party for him afterwards at the brewery.
Baroness and I tried to think of what is an appropriate gift to get someone becoming a citizen. Best (cheap and easy) idea we came up with is a Captain America t-shirt.
I think being awesome neighbors is a pretty great gift! It's also really cool that you are throwing a party at the brewery too.
My brothers GF became a citizen earlier this year. I had her gift delivered, since I couldn't be there to give it in person.
I got the most American things I could think of for her: Twinkies, American Cheese, and Apple Pie.
Is he becoming a citizen because of his love for America, or because it's easier than getting his green card renewed? Because that might affect what he considers a great gift. I know we'd all like to think it's the former, but some are more pragmatic.
Twinkies and apple pie would seem to work in either case. I mean, who doesn't love Twinkies and apple pie? Separately, at least.
10/10 recommend a deep fryer.
Truck Nutz
12 pack of bud and a glock.
Tell him congrats and thanks for continuing what made America in the first place. Without immigrants we wouldn't be what we are. But there would be a lot more of cool taking care of the Earth Native Americans. Ok so maybe we screwed it up.
Shotgun
A pickup truck.
What about a non-running project car? Bonus points if it is parked in the front yard.
It's the American Dream™
Fireworks.
Nothing says you love your new country like blowing up a small part of it.
something with hulk hogans theme song in it..
Keith Tanner said:Is he becoming a citizen because of his love for America, or because it's easier than getting his green card renewed? Because that might affect what he considers a great gift. I know we'd all like to think it's the former, but some are more pragmatic.
Twinkies and apple pie would seem to work in either case. I mean, who doesn't love Twinkies and apple pie? Separately, at least.
Dunno. Don't much care. I just like the guy and think it's well worth celebrating.
His wife is a U.S. citizen, and they have two kids. Green card probably isn't too tough for him. Might be a pragmatic thing where having citizenship makes it easier for his mother to stay here.
In reply to Beer Baron :
Your neighbor has a cool neighbor.
Beer Baron said:Keith Tanner said:Is he becoming a citizen because of his love for America, or because it's easier than getting his green card renewed? Because that might affect what he considers a great gift. I know we'd all like to think it's the former, but some are more pragmatic.
Twinkies and apple pie would seem to work in either case. I mean, who doesn't love Twinkies and apple pie? Separately, at least.
Dunno. Don't much care. I just like the guy and think it's well worth celebrating.
His wife is a U.S. citizen, and they have two kids. Green card probably isn't too tough for him. Might be a pragmatic thing where having citizenship makes it easier for his mother to stay here.
I wasn't trying to come across as a downer, sorry if it came across that was. I have to admit I've got a different viewpoint on this. I have a green card and a US-sourced wife, and I'm going to be picking up my citizenship soon because it's the best long-term solution to stay in my home. Green cards expire, so you have to go through an expensive renewal process when they do. It also adds a certain level of insecurity, although not as much as being on a visa. So when I get my citizenship, it's not going to be for a hoo-rah reason but for logistical ones. The US is a good place to live, but it's not only good place to live. I'd probably prefer a free pint brewed by a friend over something draped in the stars and stripes.
In reply to Keith Tanner :
That must have changed sometime after 1981 when my wife got her green card. No expiration date, states permanent resident. She told me she was going to wait till she was old enough to not have to take a test, she hates tests and always messes them up even though she knows the answers. 911 changed the rules on that and now have to test no matter age. Although she is now talking about getting her citizenship. Something about easier to go back to Korea for a visit and return as an American citizen. She hasn't been back since she left in 1981.
My aunt moved to DC in 1940 or so as an 18 year old Canadian farm girl to work with the British High Commission on the lend-lease program, then worked with the group that formed Israel, then got married, had kids, etc. She didn't become a citizen until she felt a burning desire to vote against Bill Clinton.
Everyone has their own story.
Congrats to your neighbor for making it through the process and becoming an American citizen! I have no idea what an appropriate gift is though. I think that is very dependent upon the person. My best friend just applied for citizenship and he is totally getting some over the top 'Merica stuff when the day comes...
My Mom is a naturalized citizen and I work with three Columbians, four Chinese, three Taiwanese, two Brits and two Indians that are either Permanent Resident Aliens or naturalized citizens. I have no problem with folks going through the process to become citizens or choosing to remain Permanent Resident Aliens. Either way they go through a vetting process and pay taxes so if they choose not to become citizens just don't bitch about who gets elected to public offices you can't vote for due to your choice... :)
From a fellow Naturalized Citizen please pass on my congrats. 10 years this month for me.
Take the image below to your local sign shop. Have them print it 4' tall and frame it.
wlkelley3 said:In reply to Keith Tanner :
That must have changed sometime after 1981 when my wife got her green card. No expiration date, states permanent resident. She told me she was going to wait till she was old enough to not have to take a test, she hates tests and always messes them up even though she knows the answers. 911 changed the rules on that and now have to test no matter age. Although she is now talking about getting her citizenship. Something about easier to go back to Korea for a visit and return as an American citizen. She hasn't been back since she left in 1981.
My wife wants me to get my citizenship so we can take the "US Citizen only" line at the airport 
I don't know when the expiry dates were added, but it was before 2007. On a trip earlier this year, one of the border guys mentioned that mine was coming up and suggested that it was easier to get a passport than a new green card. The card is still officially a "permanent resident card" (and isn't really green anymore), but it's a permanent resident with an expiry date.
Well, my 2010 has a bit of green in it, and I'm not talking about the fees 
.
From what I've heard the N400 applications are taking quite a while at the moment, so you may have to replace your card anyway if it's getting close to renewal.
BTW, IME it's quicker to take the Global Entry line even with a green card than the citizens only line.
Hers isn't green either.
Keith Tanner said:I wasn't trying to come across as a downer, sorry if it came across that was. I have to admit I've got a different viewpoint on this. I have a green card and a US-sourced wife, and I'm going to be picking up my citizenship soon because it's the best long-term solution to stay in my home. Green cards expire, so you have to go through an expensive renewal process when they do. It also adds a certain level of insecurity, although not as much as being on a visa. So when I get my citizenship, it's not going to be for a hoo-rah reason but for logistical ones. The US is a good place to live, but it's not only good place to live. I'd probably prefer a free pint brewed by a friend over something draped in the stars and stripes.
I'm pretty much in the same situation regarding Green Card and "US-sourced wife", and the only thing stopping me from applying for US citizenship is that I have to deal with the German bureaucracy first to get permission to keep my German citizenship. I really dislike dealing with German bureaucracy, but one of these days I'll have to get my backside in gear and get it done.
As you said, it just makes certain things easier if you're a citizen.
Oh, an congrats to Beer Baron's neighbour!
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