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These are times when oath of allegiance does not mean much. A conveniance of air travel without custom check is all it takes for people to switch their nationality. But does that change their feelings ?
I am sure you are right about this.. For a lot of people, becoming a citizen of another country is a matter of convenience, and the thought process is, "what do I get out of this.. If all I have is green card, then I could be deported if I run afoul with the Law, even after living here all my life, but if I am a citizen then, I have more rights and privileges etc" Short of treason, a citizen cannot be stripped of his/her rights..
Today's National Post here in Canada has an interview of Conrad Black, a man who could be described as a Newspaper Barron, Ultra Conservative, very rich and influential guy.. Well known Canadian but equally well known in UK. He owns the leading paper in UK, Daily Telegraph I think.. The story here is some time back British Govt. had put Conrad Black's name up for the title of Lord which also means he gets a a seat in House of Lords.. Canadian Govt. said, no can't do, he is a Canadian Citizen and we don't want you doing that.. But Mr. Black really wanted that Lordship so he took the Canadian Govt. to court but basically lost his case because Courts judged that Canadian Govt. could do this... I guess he was also a dual citizen meaning he had taken out British Citizenship to facilitate acceptance of Peership..
The bottom line is he denounced his Canadian Citizenship and basically moved his residency to UK and finally few weeks ago accepted the title and now is Lord Black.. Formally a citizen and resident of UK.. He still owns a house and some business in Canada but essentially no legal allegiance to Canada.. Another view of how some one might judge the Citizenship.. It has become just another piece of paper..
I think in terms of immigrants, over time, once they leave their native land and start to move around, place to place, the convenience factor probably takes over and immigrants probably still think fondly of where they were born and brought up.. Probably hardest with the first generation but gradually I am sure that changes.. Who knows what it might be like 100 years from now for 3rd 4th generation of immigrants.. No question, the world has become a very complex place..
But for right here and now, it makes for lots of heart aches and soul searching I think..
Again, FWIW.. |
