My apologies. I wasn't intending to sound aggressive. Just typing quick messages in the middle of doing a lot of other things.
I guess that’s why I’ve remained on an EP for the last 2.5 decades. I just never saw how PR was as a better option. I did apply for PR once, back in 1999, but it was rejected. I never applied again. Had they approved it back then, I don’t think I’d be any better off today, since my employer has made me whole on CPF.
In the case of Singapore, I think loyalty is tough sell. Singapore is just a small island city state, with some unique challenges, constraints and obligations for would-be citizens. Although the number of citizens renouncing here seems small, the number is actually similar to the number of Americans renouncing each year, and that is with a population that is many multiples higher (not to mention a hostile citizenship based taxation system that is outside of global norms).Lisafuller wrote: ↑Tue, 26 Oct 2021 12:42 amRight. A small country like Singapore values loyalty over nearly everything else
I will be putting this to the test. In fact, I plan to file a petition for US permanent residence for my wife by year end or early next. The entire process can take as long as 2 years, but it is also possible to delay things at certain stages if things happen faster than expected.
The 5 years of physical residence is the normal time required before a PR can apply for US citizenship. However, spouses of US citizens are in a special category and can do it in just 3 years. Spouses of employees of US companies overseas have an even quicker path that requires 0 years spent in the US.MOCHS wrote: ↑Tue, 26 Oct 2021 6:03 pm^ I thought one could only file for US green card after being in the US physically for 5 (or was it 3) years? That’s what I read the last time I checked. You mean it can be done irrespective of the location?
I vaguely remember my poly classmate being on the US fiancée visa and then applied for the green card after marriage. She said she could not leave the country during the green card application process.
Fair point. In the US, once you’ve obtained permanente residency, you’re set. No one will notice or hassle you unless you force them to notice you.Myasis Dragon wrote: ↑Tue, 26 Oct 2021 7:42 amSingapore PR is not really "permanent" at all. It can be yanked at any time and for most any reason, chiefly that you don't have a job. It's closer to a super employment pass, with terms and conditions.
US PR really is permanent. You don't need to be employed. You can live under a freeway overpass if you want. You only lose PR if you are convicted of illegal acts or you fail to live in the USA for extended periods.
I would certainly ensure that I meet all USA PR residency requirements, never mind the Singapore PR.
Last line sums it all up. Well put. Its just that there’s a difference between purely self-serving immigration and “ethical” immigration where there is a genuine effort to contribute and give back.smoulder wrote: ↑Tue, 26 Oct 2021 2:12 pmMy apologies. I wasn't intending to sound aggressive. Just typing quick messages in the middle of doing a lot of other things.
But anyway. PR doesn't bind you to a country. That would be citizenship. While it's true that PR is a stepping stone to citizenship, citizenship is not the only logical option. And this is from both parties point of view - if on the one hand, the government can reject your citizenship application (because they have second thoughts about you), on the other hand the individual can also decide against citizenship (they have second thoughts).
Just being the devil's advocate here even though my own long term plan is to stay put.
Also, even with citizenship, there's no guarantee that people will stay put. If that was the case, I wouldn't have moved here, you would be in China, SMS in the US and there would be no Singaporeans moving overseas either. Immigration is all about individuals seeking better (perceived) options and that is inherently a selfish pursuit.
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