Child of SC/American, what to know or do?

[curious expat]

I'm an American expat of 13 years, married to a SC for the last 2 years. If it matters, I'm on an LTVP+. We recently learned I'm pregnant, and feel a bit clueless in how to navigate this as a biracial/dual nationality family that doesn't have a crystal ball for the next 5, 10, or 20 years. I know schooling is something I have specific concerns about as I want the freedom of options to choose what works best when the time comes (former int'l school teacher). Also, I know NS is always a big concern for people (not something I'm terribly worried about...I think?). What other concerns or issues do you believe we need to consider?

Basically, what do we need to consider in order to prepare and provide the best options for our child?

[malcontent]

It r e a l l y depends. I know an American who married a SC and at month 7~8 of their pregnancy they realized SC was unavoidable if giving birth here. They knew for certain they’d be migrating to the US in the future and didn’t want NS obligations for their son who wouldn’t be raised or live in SG for long, so they flew to the US to give birth at the very last minute (in fact, they had to get doctor’s approval to do so, and when no SG doctor would sign off, they had to get a US doctor to do that). A few years afterward, they moved to the US permanently and are still there. I’d say it was the right move under the circumstances.

If you do decide on SC for your child, consider NOT acting on your child’s right to US citizenship so they won’t forced to decide between USC and SGC in the future — it will still be there if they choose to claim it.

But if you are truly dedicated to the idea of keeping your options open, I think you’ll want to give birth outside of Singapore. The child will still be eligible for SC in the future.

Both of my kids are US citizens, my daughter is a PR, my son is DP under my EP. We didn’t plan it that way, it just happened. Do I have any regrets? Not really… both ways have their pros/cons, it’s a tough call.

US citizenship can be a burden, especially at tax time… but without that, I would have a hard time keeping our family together when our kids go to college in the US (starting next year). I’ve got an approved petition for my alien spouse and can get her PR in the US without any nonsense/uncertainty. What we will do after our kids complete college… that is still totally uncertain.

[malcontent]

I’m sure you know this after being here so many years… immigration here is NOT like most countries, PR is like an engagement and SC like a marriage… only move forward if you’re sure you’re ready, because there is no way back once you’ve taken that next step… it can and will be used against you.

Staying outside of PR/SC is like keeping the relationship platonic — but don’t expect friends with benefits. You not only pay taxes but also pay full freight for what those taxes were intended to pay for, like local school fees.