80% of Americans living and working overseas are considering giving up their U.S. citizenship,

[riverbendviewgal]

That’s one potential lesson we can draw from recent years’ explosion of U.S. citizens living and working overseas who are now renouncing their citizenship. In the first six months of 2014, 1,577 Americans decided to expatriate; last year, nearly 3,000 called it quits, a record high number. In the last five years, a total of about 9,000 Americans surrendered their citizenship, according to a survey of federal data compiled by Bloomberg.

“It’s not just the super-rich doing it,” David McKeegan of Hong Kong-based Greenback Expat Tax Services says in Forbes. “We’re talking average, middle-class people, people teaching English as a second language and doing freelance jobs making $30,000–50,000 a year, simply because of the fact that they can’t open locked bank accounts.”

“The vast majority of U.S. expatriates living abroad harbor a strong sense of patriotism that includes a willingness to shoulder their fair share of the nation’s tax burden,” Kuenzi writes. “Deep resentment arises, however, when they confront the byzantine complexity of preparing a tax return that includes non-U.S. income and non-U.S. financial accounts. FATCA demands rigorous compliance with arcane rules that the IRS has until now never even attempted to enforce on a widespread basis. For Americans abroad, desperately trying to comply, the outcome to family finances is often disastrous.”


https://www.uschamber.com/blog/exit-strategy-fatca-tax-law-keeps-pushing-americans-give-citizenship

[KansDem]

1. A good friend of mine is renouncing his American citizenship this month...

He's becoming a Swiss citizen.

He went to Switzerland in 1979 and stayed, and now teaches ESL and music.

He has been back annually to visit his aging parents in California, but says once they're gone, he'll never come back again.

And "yes," it's the tax thing...

[WinkyDink]

18. I could live in Switzerland tax or no tax thing! Luzerne, specifically!

[Lost In America]

20. Is there any way to do that these days?

[thelordofhell]

2. The Right Wing media is at work again

Over the last few weeks there has been numerous articles about FACTA and what they do..........The endgame will probably be some sort of restructuring bill that will gut FACTA and let insanely rich people hide more money overseas..........

[KansDem]

3. "...let insanely rich people hide more money overseas"

While at the same time expecting American taxpayers to continue to pick up the tab for a military that acts "in their best interests."

[riverbendviewgal]

11. A myth

The US military maintains a Pax Americana that you benefit from even though you do not live in the USA. You should pay for this.”

And so? Tax France, Germany and Japan directly then. Why would dual US citizens living in France or Germany bear the brunt and not other residents of France or Germany? There are seven million non-resident potential US citizens in the world and about seven billion non-Americans in the world. Unless all seven billion are to be enlisted in the effort equally, this bit of nonsense will not provide an intellectual foundation for taxing the seven million. Those 700 outside of USA military bases are there for US interests not for humanitarian reasons.

If Pax Americana is to be paid for abroad then expect the beneficiaries to ask for a role in its implementation. He who pays the piper calls the tune and I don’t see the US handing control of its Armed Forces to Germany, France and Japan any time soon. Better still, why not have the Treasury and Federal Reserve work together to print unimaginable quantities of money and then use the US’s post-war Bretton Woods reserve currency status to shove those worthless dollars abroad to pay for forty years of mutlti-billion trade deficits. Oh wait, that’s what the US already does.

If a an expat is is a situation , disaster or war, They will go to the country where they live in for help. Canada has an excellent government and military. Also any US rescuing Americans is paid for by those that are rescued. Uncle Sam sends them the bill.

[riverbendviewgal]

5. Insanely rich people already hide their money

in the USA, in States of Delaware, Wyoming and Nevada..
read the article... The people who are most affected are middle class and lower. Also accidental Americans born to Foreign parents in the USA and taken back as babies to their parents motherland. They have clinging American citizenship

Also Green card holders , past and present.. Those back in their homeland are still considered American persons,

Also Snowbirds..... who will think hard and long now and many will be deciding owning winter property or even staying in the USA is worth it. In Canada snowbirds can leave for 180 days each year. The USA allows snowbirds into the country but if they stay past 182 days withing THREE years they are considered American persons and must file taxes and report their homeland bank accounts.

Another detriment to this tax law is the US dollar.... Many countries are now cashing in their US dollars, bonds and switching to other currencies to trade in. You ever hear of the new bank BRIC?

[edhopper]

4. I didn't need to click the link

when I saw it was from the US Chamber of Commerce.

I could smell the bullshit from here.

[riverbendviewgal]

6. of course

an open mind would be detrimental.

[edhopper]

7. Give me an article from an unbiased source

and I'll read it.

I don't read links to Fox News, Newsmax or The Daily Caller either.

Reading right wing bullshit propaganda is detrimental.

[Algernon Moncrieff]

10. Given that the US Chamber heavily funds opponents to Democrats

... I'd say an open mind isn't the issue here.

[valerief]

26. Open mind to Chamber of Commerce. Bwahahahaha!

That's like keeping an open mind to Rush Limbaugh.

[FSogol]

8. Correct. Early campaigning from the Chamber of Commerce asshats.

So long "patriots". Don't come crying back.

[Algernon Moncrieff]

9. Of course the US Chamber will say it's not just the super-rich

...but in many cases, it's the super rich.

Quit whining and pay your taxes. Be grateful for your blessings and give back in proportion to your benefit. ..or not, but if you leave, don't come crying to us that we need to overthrow the junta in that Central American nation to which you fled to duck taxes.

[riverbendviewgal]

13. I live in Canada - I gave up my US citizenship. I am not whining.... I am grateful to be a Canadian.

I don't live in a central american nation. and do not have to worry about Juntas.

My country is not a tax haven and has higher taxes than the USA. It has a strong military that can rescue me anywhere in the world but I won't be going to any crazy places like third world countries. I travel to civilized Europe, who love C anadians. . I will never go back to live in the USA.

I did file US tax returns , never had to pay or file my bank account FBARS as US wants... I never had a lot of savings. I stopped filing us taxes the year I became a Canadian citizen. When doing that in that year I relinquished my citizenship. Not all expats can do this. State department has changed the rules many times since.

It was never complicated to do my own US tax returns as I made so little money. Now one must employ an expensive US tax compliance IRS approved agent ,even if one does not owe a dime to the USA. I had no US earnings since I was 21. I have no social security or medicaid.. I worked in union jobs in Canada so have a very nice pension. I am not a millionaire. I am healthy with my social health care where I get preventative health care as regular. My husband and son both had cancer, Non Hodgkins lymphoma and Glioblastma Multiforme (same as Sen Kennedy and my son had the same treatments ) All medical care was covered. I am not a widow who had to go bankrupt.

I am a progressive, and believe in helping with my taxes others. We are all in this boat together is a belief in Canada. I am A real democratic as Canada is a democracy. The USA is a Republic but it is now being reported after studies to be an oligarchy.

[edhopper]

14. So don't post links

to anti-worker sites like the USCC and treat them as anything but the right wing bullshit they are.

[riverbendviewgal]

16. I love unions

I worked in unions and have my pensions because of unions.

This is about the implosion of the USA due to inside the USA all the corruption now happening, those tax havens in Delaware, Nevada and Wyoming are allowing homelanders and foreigners to hide their money. If one lives overseas for years one does see the differences. People make their decisions about where they want to be. The people I know who have America indica ARE NOT RICH. We all have to do what we gotta do, eh?

All I can say is BRIC and gold..

[edhopper]

17. Which has nothing to do with

FACTA.

Post about the rich not paying taxes, not this bullshit from right wing sources.

And I already showed how the 80% number is utter crap.

Stop using right wing sites for your info.

You made a bad, BS post, own up to it.

[riverbendviewgal]

23. nope,

I am the one who does not live in the US anymore. I am the who has friends who are expats, most now citizens of the countries the live in. Some never lived or worked in the USA. None get medicaid or social security. Most have no US property, earnings just families to visit.

And you. What is your authoritive knowledge on this issue? Your math does not cover those Americans abroad who have no American passport, never voted , never lived on the USA, never knew they had to file US taxes. My mother told me when I was kid that I was weird because I would go to my room and read. (she never read, just shopped.) I stumbled on finding out when I moved abroad that I had to file.. the funny thing is I had never heard of resident based taxation. I just thought all countries in the world tax their citizens no matter where they live. So I can not fault you for believing that allmericans should be filing taxes. I think those Americans who plan on living abroad but return to the USA to live again, whether to work or retire should NOT take up citizenship of Another country.
I also believe that those born in the USA but returned with their foreign parents to live outside of the US or those born in znother country to US parents should be able to choose the to not be an American citizen without heavy payments and paper work. It is not evil to not want to be an American citizen.

So many like you, that know no one who has lived abroad for years get very angry over this issue. It is true that many countries are decreasing their holdings on the US dollar and investments. It is happening and will continue.

This law should have been made for homelanders only who have money hidden in foreign banks AND USA banks.
The very rich know how to hide their money. So the only people being hurt are those who do not have those riches.. the IRS will get the for high fines. Most of these abroad will opt to no go to the USA. Some countries will kick them off their bank accounts as the article said.. Their banks down the streetfrom them.

The USA has citizen based taxation. The only other nation in the world that has that same type of taxation as well is Eritrea . The rest of the whole world has resident based taxation. Have you ever heard of this. Were you taught this in your US school? I had not been taught in shen I went to school in the USA.

Americans abroad have no congress representative working for them. SOME can vote in the presidential elections. But not those who were born outside the US, even though they are labeled US citizens.

This is my last post on this op. I just like to give education on this issue. Sorry that this article was written by the chamber of commerce. I dispise them as well. But if there really was a fire and they said there was one , I would actually look to see if it is true to protect myself. I would jot ignore them because I hate them.

Ever read Howard Zinn? He wrote of US history that was never taught in US classrooms because it was to be supressed by those in power. He was a great man who wrote of the not so nice US history that we all NEVER learned in our US schools.

May truth prevail over hate and fear. Peace and love .

[edhopper]

29. Now your quoting

Nestmann and Freedom watch.
Any non-right wing sources.

Your first $97,000 foreign dollars are exempt from taxes.
So spare me the greif about expat workers.

[riverbendviewgal]

31. these are my own words

I am not familiar with these names.

[edhopper]

32. And what of the fact that

That the first $97,000 is exempt.
Doesn't fit into your poor worker scenario.

Those right wing source mimic uourvstand exactly.
So ask yourself, why is your position exactly that of those that serve the 1%?

[riverbendviewgal]

36. can you undertand that filing now entails special IRS approved tax compliant agent even if you make

Less than $97k. Returns now from abroad must be done by these specialist and be sent with th agents code and it must be sent digitized. The charg is $1000k per return. FBARS are you be filled and there are more charges for each bank FBAR. No matter if you make less than $97k and owe no US tax.

I have writing not for the 1 percent but for the 99 percent, that also includes green card holders and Canadian snowbirds.

[edhopper]

37. I have searched on many sites

Including the IRS, I see no requirement to use a Tax agent.

[riverbendviewgal]

40. it is there

You will find it. The US tax manual is 77,000 pages.

[edhopper]

57. And it is very searchable

I have read the portion on taxes for Americans abroad and don't see a special tax preparer requirement anywhere.

Perhaps you should look at it as well.

[edhopper]

12. Want to know what bullshit this is

Last edited Tue Aug 19, 2014, 05:46 PM - Edit history (1)

According to the article, 9000 Americans gave up their citizenship last 5 years. That is a total from all Americans not just those overseas., and we don't know the cause for all of them.
There are over 6 MILLION Americans living abroad. So that is 0.15% of those abroad. 80% my ass.
Do the math river and open your mind to the bullshit of the article you posted.
Or read more on the site and see why Obamacare, minimum wage and regulation is bad and why ending SS is good.

bullshit, bullshit, bullshit.

[COLGATE4]

15. ^^ This ^^

[conservaphobe]

19. Good riddance. nt

[Logical]

41. Ahhhh.......America is the best? nt

[conservaphobe]

70. Ahhh... the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the best? nt

[Number23]

21. Having lived abroad, I have absolutely no idea why this article is so needlessly controversial here

I've heard the same thing from so many Canadians and Australians with New York and Massachusetts accents it's not even funny.

[riverbendviewgal]

24. thank you

I am heartened to see you can speak the truth.

[JCMach1]

22. Rubbish... the Chamber has been spreading this BS for years

Having just returned from living overseas for 12 years and filing taxes every year... it isn't a great burden. You just have to report everything. The vast majority making under around 97k will pay little, or no income tax.

It is NO WORSE than filing a regular old long form and a few schedules in the freaking USA.

I also do my own taxes and managed just fine in both places.

[riverbendviewgal]

25. you returned

With no intention of staying where you were. You worked there. You did not become a citizen of another country.

Tax returns can not be done by oneself any more. An IRS approved agent must file a digitalized form. and FBARS reported. I spoke to an approved agent snd they now charge $1000 per return and extra for FBARS , even if you owe nothing.

[Art_from_Ark]

72. I think you are confused

I have been living in Japan for a very long time, and this year, I filed a tax form that I downloaded from the IRS web site. There is absolutely no requirement to have an outsider file the form. None whatsoever.

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p54/

I think you are confusing that with a Treasury requirement to report all foreign bank/financial accounts. Until last year, that form was sent directly to the Treasury Department in paper form, but now it must be filed electronically. However, there is no requirement for an outsider to file the form.

http://taxes.about.com/od/preparingyourtaxes/a/TDF90221.htm

[JCMach1]

73. Art is correct...

[Tarheel_Dem]

74. He really seems invested in his narrative. I wonder why? Disinformation is not cute.

[riverbendviewgal]

75. well I know many others who tell me otherwise

the Tax compliance industry vultures tell me otherwise. on the form must be a tax filler's IRS registered numbers. Are you one? Anyway tax compliant industry is telling this.. I did my own taxes until then. Never had to file FBAR as never had enough money then.

Not filing these taxes correctly means very high costing penalties. The IRS is not forgiving.

Do Not have Mutual Funds. All Investment countries overseas now do not allow Americans to be with them and have Mutual funds. Americans are being kicked off left and right.

You seem okay with filing US taxes and I presume you intend to go back to the USA for your retirement years. You have this choice. Be well.

[Art_from_Ark]

78. I'm not sure I'm following you, but

If you're an American living outside of the US, you have to file a US tax return every year. The IRS registered number is usually your Social Security number. If you have no US-based income, and the income you earn in your country of residence is less than the equivalent of $97,000 and you're a full-time resident of your country, then you won't owe any US tax. You can file the return yourself. You have to include the 2555 or 2555-EZ form with your 1040 return.

[riverbendviewgal]

82. Perhaps if you are returning to the USA you are doing everything right

Are you a citizen of Japan? will you be there permanently, Do you have savings in Japan? Property?

One thing to point out is for short term expats yes, filing is not that difficult. They have no savings with a foreign spouse, no real estate like a home they own abroad. Short term expats are NOT the ones harmed by this

[Art_from_Ark]

83. No, I'm not a Japanese citizen

but I am a permanent resident, and have lived in Japan long enough to see babies become high school students. Yes, I have savings in Japan, it goes without saying, since I live and work in the country. But Uncle Sam's threshold of $10,000 for reporting overseas savings accounts is way too low, since only $10,000 (1 million yen) in savings in Japan is considered "nail-biting terrritory".

US tax return filing is no different for someone who has spent an entire tax year in Japan, than it is for someone who has lived in Japan for 15 years. Details of foreign financial accounts are not required on US tax forms; the form for declaring that is independent of the 1040 form and is filed with a different agency.

[oldandhappy]

27. I was an expat for seven years and filed and never had problems.

My tax man used to laugh when I reported my income from teaching ESL in Asia. Only made significant money in one country. Otherwise survived and loved and lived and learned and am grateful for the experiences.

[riverbendviewgal]

33. how long ago were you there?

And you returned. And you intended to return. So many have no intention to.

[oldandhappy]

62. In the nineties.

I came back to be with my parents in their final slide.

I am not sure what my intentions were! But this is what happened.

[davidpdx]

28. I'm worried at some point I am going to hit the ceiling and will have to start filing under FATCA

I still have some time before I get close. Giving up citizenship is not something I am willing to do. Hopefully the Congressional delegation will come up with a fix for those of us who are middle class.

[riverbendviewgal]

42. you must still file even if you make less than 97 k.

Google Isaac brock society. There is a wealth of information you can read and learn.

[davidpdx]

56. Yes, I still file

I'm talking about for assets. Other than my home I don't have any significant assets.

[nenagh]

30. I'm caught up in this riverbendviewgal... dual citizen USA/Canada..

born in the USA nearly 70 years ago of Canadian parents... after 6 weeks taken back to Canada & stayed for 2 years.. then moved back to Philadelphia for 7 years.

So since 1957 or so... I have lived full time in Canada, educated in Canada, worked in Ontario and retired..

Paid taxes.. never lived at all in the USA, no benefits from the USA...

but now will have my bank balances sent to the IRS via the Canadian Revenue Agency.

I didn't know that I should have been sending tax returns to the IRS.. which will have to be sent each year.. as well as my Canadian taxes to the Canadian Revenue Agency.

I didn't know that you renounced your US citizenship...I'll have to look into it.

To have to send yearly taxes to both the Canadian government and now the IRS... that's quite expensive..

Thanks for all your posts about this...

[edhopper]

34. First $97,000

Is exempt from taxes.

[nenagh]

38. Thank you, then I won't pay US taxes ... but the tax forms must be submitted

yearly to the IRS. Fortunately in this small town there is an accountant who is qualified to complete US taxes as well as Canadian tax returns.

Thank you again for your information.

[riverbendviewgal]

45. could you let us all know what the tax agent will charge

If you have not filed ever you will have to file 5 to 6 years of returns. And report ll your bank accounts for the past 6 years.

Go the Isaac Brock Society before you do any filing. Like I said before, if you made the Canadian oath before 1995 than you need not do this.you will relinquish, which you did , you only need your CLN sent to you from the state department. It will prove you are only Canadian.

[nenagh]

49. I still am confused.. I'm sorry riverbendviewgal...

I don't remember making a Canadian oath... as in go to a Canadian embassy..

It was such a long time ago..

My parents were Canadian... we lived in Canada from 1957 but I don't recall any Canadian oath.. but I do remember the trip to the US consulate.. way back to I thought maybe swear an oath to the USA ..

It's really NB, because if I could renounce.. I would..

Thank heavens I've not submitted anything yet to the IRS.

I do have a Canadian Card of Identity to prove my Canadian citizenship... & I have a US passport.

[riverbendviewgal]

55. you have a american passport

I never had one.
Renunciation is your only option. But read the website Isaac Brock Society. You do not have to sign up. Just read the info sidebars on renunciation. Do not rush but be aware Cansdian banks will be asking questions in the near future.

There is a court challenge suit now against the Canadian government allowing citizens financial banking information given to the IRS.

[nenagh]

61. Thanks for all your help... I will read the Isaac Brock Society website..

and thanks again.

[riverbendviewgal]

43. you are welcome

If you google Isaac Brock society you will find a Canadian website dedicated to helping those who are Americans like you. Many comments are from those who live in other countries beside Canada.

Did you take the Canadian oath of citizenship? If before 1995 you can relinquish like I did. It cost me nothing I am one of the lucky ones.

A few of Canadian members of Parliament are American Canadian. I am an American Canadian with now only Canadian citizenship. I have my CLN that I have shown my bank that proves I am only a Canadian so my financial banking information is given to the IRS.

[nenagh]

46. riverbendviewgal... do you mean did I take oath of US citizenship?

I remember going to the US consulate in Calgary.. there was an age qualification.. I think

but it was sometime in the 1960's..

Does that make me elegible to relinquish American citizenship?

Thanks for the information...

[riverbendviewgal]

58. no, oath to the queen

Minors had to confirm they were canadian. But you took the oath to confirm you are American, maybe to register for the draft.

[nenagh]

67. I always lived in Canada..except for the first few years (7 or so)

both parents Canadian, so I had Canadian citizenship through my parents...or that's what we assumed.. so I never swore an oath to the Queen...

but if I wanted to retain US citizenship with my Canadian citizenship..I had to go to a US consulate & swear an oath to the US flag.. & not vote in a Canadian election
or I would put my US citizenship into jeopardy..

Maybe I should vote in Ontario... and claim to lose my US citizenship

(That goes back to about 1960... a lot of change since then, I think)

[riverbendviewgal]

71. sorry, voting would not lose you citizenship

The USA allows dual citzenship now. $$$$ is the reason. the money is good,

You can renounce. Go to Brock for more information.

[nenagh]

50. Not sure what CLN is.. I have a lot to learn..

[riverbendviewgal]

60. CLN is Citizen loss of Nationality

It is important these days for some people.

[Hippo_Tron]

35. Hrmm I wonder why they're renouncing US Citizenship, rather than just returning home

Maybe it's because the countries they're living in have universal health care and all sorts of benefits that we don't have here? Nah it couldn't be...

[riverbendviewgal]

39. that and other reasons

They were born in the USA but moved back with their parents to the parents foreign homeland , naturalized in their parents citizenship and live permanently out of the USA . With no intention to be an American

They were born over the border in a US hospital because of medical reasons and went to live permenently and be naturalized with their parents country a few days after birth. To never live in the USA or want to.

Many go to school abroad, fall in love with a person who live and is a citizen not of the USA. The American marries the person they love and Pemanently lives and becomes a citizen of that country, raising a family, never intending to returnto the USA.

Those born in a foreign country with one or both parents being Americans. Those in this case, more often than not , do not want American citizenship.

Many Americans go to a foreign country to work and decide to stay permanently in the country they live and become a citizen of that country.

Many are not aware of citizen based taxation that the USA does. It is an OMG moment for many.

I think it is hard for homelanders to understand that not everyone wants to have American citizenship.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

51. I know half a dozen Japanese-English translators

who are married to Japanese, have children who have been brought up in Japan, have themselves lived in Japan for decades, and who no longer have any close family members in the States. The new tax laws have screwed up their banking, so they
are adopting Japanese citizenship.

[riderinthestorm]

44. I'm a dual Irish and American citizen and seriously contemplate retiring to Ireland for all that

[riverbendviewgal]

48. seriously think if this is what you want

Do you have family in Ireland?
Ireland has resident based taxation but the USA citizen based taxation will follow you.

[Nye Bevan]

63. Now imagine if the Irish tax authorities were killing you with paperwork and reporting requirements.

You might well decide to dump your Irish citizenship as you're not even living there.

But because you're not living there, they leave you alone. And that's how the US should treat its expat citizens, too.

[riverbendviewgal]

69. you hit the nail on the head

[Generic Brad]

47. But isn't that normal?

My wife lived and worked here for decades before she decided to become a U.S. citizen. If you build your life somewhere else, at some point you will most likely decide to stay put.

[riverbendviewgal]

53. exactly

The USA has many immigrants as do other countries.

My question to you is how would feel if the country where your wife was a citizen before becoming an American wanted her to file taxes that would include your income and joint accounts? Would you be okay for that. You would have to file her motherland form in her motherland langusge and convert to that country's currency.

Thanks Brad for bringing that perspective in this thread.

[Generic Brad]

54. We would be against that policy

Thank goodness Japan did not do that to us. Had we been in that situation, she would have formally immigrated here more quickly. When all is said and done, you have to do what is best for your family.

[whereisjustice]

52. Germany is looking for skilled labor, other areas of Europe as well

very interesting opportunity offering good quality of life potential.

Things are so stacked against the young right now in USA, thanks to destructive influence of organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, Europe would be smart to offer incentives to attract creative, educated workers from US.

The USA is looking less and less interesting as a place to live. If our political leaders want a global economy, then we have no reason to stay here and work like slaves for less and less money.

Or, you can stay here and work yourself death and watch cops dressed like GI Joe beat people up on TV, as your wages, benefits, vacation and ultimately your job disappears to China or India or soon to be Vietnam, thanks to TPP.

Unless, of course, you are CEO of an insurance company. But, I'm guessing you aren't.

[riverbendviewgal]

64. to be German citizen one is not allowed to be a dual citizen

So before one becomes a German citizen one must renounce their citzenship they hold. Interesting, eh? But a German citizen can work anywhere else in the world and pay taxes only to where they are working.

[Nye Bevan]

59. If you're a UK citizen living outside of the UK, you don't owe UK taxes.

I understand that is how it works for almost every country except the USA. Why does the US have to have this insane system?

[riverbendviewgal]

66. to keep money in the USA

Unfortunately, what it is doing is keeping Americans from being mobile. It is like a wall or curtain put around the USA .

[riverbendviewgal]

68. are you living forever overseas or going back to live in the USA

I do not think yo read this entire thread. Please do.

Why are you living overseas?

[GiveEmEnoughRope]

76. I no longer see any value to being a US Citizen we are no longer the land of the free nor do we

up hold the ideals of the founding fathers.

The government we have now is not very different from the government our founders broke away from.

All the other western countries in the world represent American values and the type of nation they envisioned better then we do today.

We no longer represent freedom, equality and democracy around the world we are being seen as thugs and bullies now do what we say or we will kill you. Really makes me proud to be an American.

I say congrats for those who have left and have now become citizens of better countries they are the lucky ones.

[riverbendviewgal]

80. Welcome to DU

GiveEmEnoughRope
You are correct about how the US government has changed.

I am thankful that I emigrated to Canada and became of citizen of Canada .I am indeed one of the lucky ones. I am not longer an American citizen.


I am an American Canadian as my motherland is America but I left long ago... My other ancestry is from grandparents who were from an European country, which never wanted my grandparents to pay taxes to it when they emigrated to the USA.

[avebury]

77. If I were right out of college and found the right

job in the right country I would seriously consider doing it and taxes would not even be a consideration. I would encourage any young person to do it. The US is not the country that it once was and is becoming a slowly dying dinosaur that used military might to try to stay at the top of the heap so to speak. Young people should be looking to live in places that on the upswing. There is a real chance that this country will become the 21st Century version of Nazi Germany at the rate we are going (and I am not too sure that there would not be some type of legislation created that would be as bad as the death camps).

[riverbendviewgal]

81. Indeed

There are many problems in the USA now... It is discouraging.

[hatrack]

79. Lah-dee-dah - 1/1,000 of 1% of US citizens became citizens of another country last year

Let me know whenever this gets "serious".

[treestar]

84. good, there should be a quota for the millions

who would give their eyeteeth for a chance to have US citizenship.

[Demsrule86]

85. Taxes I guess

Let them but when these countries they live in (especially) China trample their rights ...they are on their own.

[closeupready]

86. Bullshit source. Not clicking a US Chamber of Commerce link.

Thanks anyway.