DITCHING THE U.S.A. -- Giving up citizenship now costs $450, as more people are doing it

[TexasTowelie]

Everything has a price — ditching your American citizenship, for example, will now set you back $450.

New consular rules published in the Federal Register this week lock in a new fee first implemented on an interim basis in 2010 for renouncing U.S. citizenship — a process that was once free.

<<snip>>

“It’s a serious decision, and we need to be certain that the person renouncing fully understands the consequences,” said spokesman Noel Clay.

Some observers say a growing number of people are renouncing citizenship to avoid the hassle of American tax laws governing Americans living abroad, which a National Taxpayer Advocate report issued in December called complex and confusing.

http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/02/04/020412-news-passport-fees/?utm_campaign=TD_Paid&utm_medium=Media&utm_source=outbrain&utm_keyword=&utm_content=

[Lint Head]

1. Maybe all right wing nut Republicans will leave to avoid the hassle of American tax laws.

The country would be better for it.

[southernyankeebelle]

6. Only problem there is once they live in those countries their way of life will rub off on them and

they will become more liberal thinking. I don't think republicans will be moving any where. They are so set in their ways. Believe me I've seen some when we were stationed on military bases. Some would never leave the base. They expect everyone to speak english. While I loved going off the base shopping and bring my dictionary. People like when you at least try to speak and if you don't say the word you can pull your little dictionary out and show the person. People are friendly. But you must make a effort.

[calimary]

8. Good point.

[Lint Head]

12. Yep. I see that. The times I've been to Europe I noticed they like to speak English. Of course most

European countries teach their children multi languages for free.

[southernyankeebelle]

13. That is true. My Italian cousin told me that had to choose english or french. He chose french.

It is the same way in Germany.

[tblue]

2. Sometimes I fantasize about it, and then decide 'Noooo...'

Even if I was an expat, I'd want to be able to vote and retain my liberal voice in matters. If too many liberals left, I can't bear to think what would become of this country. And what the US does impacts the world anyway.

[zbdent]

3. would be interesting to see the number of libs vs cons who do this

for tax purposes ...

[treestar]

4. Gut feeling is we're losing cons on this

If taxes are the cause.

[zbdent]

5. Why do they hate America?

I mean, all you hear from conservatives is that they love Americapitalism, er, America ...

[FarCenter]

15. In that case, maybe we should be giving them $450 to go!

[southernyankeebelle]

7. I could see me living in Germany or Italy. But I just couldn't give up my citizenship for any

country even though I love them both. I'll tell you when you live in another country there are things you just miss. Really there is no place like home. Even though you may find a burger joint overseas there is no place like home to get a great burger. None. I love living in europe but there is no place like home. It's something to see that Ms Liberty in NY when you been away a long time. It brings tears to me.

[calimary]

9. Another good point.

Makes you think. I too thought about it, in passing, during the bush era. But it was just an idle thought.

[southernyankeebelle]

11. My husband was adopted as a child from Germany and my mother came from Italy. Both

had their american citizenship many years back. Believe me I could see me living in either country but I would never ever give up my citizenship. My mother worked to hard to earn her right. She said she always felt safe here. I am sad she is gone now but in another way am glad she isn't here to see how this country has become so extreme. But again there is no place like home. When you see old glory flying it is just something to see. I think everyone feels that way about their own countries. It's only human. Yet I don't like what we are becoming.

[Ron Obvious]

10. I spent more than that getting it.

I spent more than that getting it. And I had to swear that I'd never been a communist and that, during the years 1932-1945, I hadn't been a member of the Nazi party. Despite not being born until more than 10 years after, I said I had left the party just prior.

That's when you realise "sense of humour" is not a job requirement to work for INS.

[southernyankeebelle]

14. Funny. I remember my father a WWII vet and retired from the military. We retired to Italy at the

time. Dad wanted to apply for a job but for some reason because my grandmother who wasn't an american citizen they wouldn't hire him. My grandfather had died years ago. She never had been to america. Yet she loved President Kennedy and had his picture on her home. Crazy. She never had left home home for 20 yrs. Yet she never thought bad things about america. She could have because of the bombs over her house at night during the war. She loved americans. Especially my father.