ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaWeight loss support

I lost .2 lbs from yesterday, I know it's not much, but it's something.

I need to stop eating after dinner!

:) Congrats! I eat about 6-7 times a day and as long as I'm under the caloric total that I need to be under per day I will have a nice protein shake after dinner. You can find drinks with 20-30 grams of protein and only 15-20 grams of carbs which won't hurt ya if you've eaten clean all day :) Just an idea anyway Lol
bowflexMaleCanada2010-02-17 12:45:00
CanadaWeight loss support

Where can i buy or get P-90X. I need to lose at least 80 lbs. Please let me know how I can get P-90X.

teambeachbody.com

Just a warning, if you're going to do the program you've got to be 100% committed to it. Requires a heck of a lot of discipline and determination to do but works wonders if you stick with it, good luck!
bowflexMaleCanada2010-02-17 12:01:00
CanadaWeight loss support

I can easily lose two pounds a day on average by not eating. I fasted three times in my life so far, the last time 21 days, only drinking water and tea. The first 3 or 4 days are hard, but after a week you get into a high that will last for as long as your body is okay with it. When you feel hunger again, it's time to stop.

Lol Absolutely worst weight loss advice to give unfortunately. Your body needs various nutrients, in the forms of protein, carbs, etc... in order to stay out of "survival" mode. If someone just reduces the amount of caloric intake being taken in every day, increases physical activity, and works on taking in "clean" calories they will lose weight. Fasting for a long period of time causes the body to begin storing fat in case the body needs to consume it due to a lack of calories coming in.

Same reason I've always hated people that promote the no-carb diet, in the end it's far more destructive to your body and will not result in healthy weight loss.
bowflexMaleCanada2010-02-16 12:37:00
CanadaThe Annoying Co-Worker Thread
Lol Print out about 30 of those cartridge testing pages, that'll probably drive her nice and nuts haha
bowflexMaleCanada2010-02-24 11:52:00
CanadaThe Annoying Co-Worker Thread
Dear Old Lady That Resembles The Crypt Keeper Next To My Cube:

Please stop clearing your throat all day and then telling people while on the phone "Oh sorry, I'm a little dry today." The fact of the matter is you're dry everyday and if you'd try having some good ol' water instead of diet pop (No, it does NOT make you healthy) maybe you'd stop coughing up one of your extremely nicotine-damaged lungs every 3.4 seconds. If this isn't a good plan for ya maybe retire, I mean you are 1,250 years old by now.

Respectfully Yours :)

LOL
bowflexMaleCanada2010-02-09 16:20:00
CanadaThe Annoying Co-Worker Thread
Lol I wish more people worked like I do in the cubile environment. Ever since starting to work in one I've tried to be the office ninja, only heard when it's needed and invisible the rest of the time hahaha
bowflexMaleCanada2010-02-03 14:20:00
CanadaThe Annoying Co-Worker Thread

He knows, with this diet, it's ok if he eats it with protien. So there's the SWIIIICTH of the string cheese wrapper, then the crunches start.


Apple #4 crunching away with my sanity.

Lol Guy just really needs to enjoy a nice quiet protein bar and shut the ####### up hahaha
bowflexMaleCanada2010-01-29 14:27:00
CanadaThe Annoying Co-Worker Thread

Apple #2 is going down the hatch.

I turned my music up so it hurts my ears, but I still hear it.

Lol I've never been able to understand how someone who works in an office setting could be unaware of inproper noises. I really hope they move the person soon for ya, I remember when the annoying piece of garbage that sat next to me was moved, I was the happiest I've been in a loooong time lol.
bowflexMaleCanada2010-01-29 09:55:00
CanadaRemoving Conditions
We should all be around the same time, we filed my wife's I-751 back on June 5 and we just did biometrics a few weeks ago. I'll let ya know if they're goin crazy on us or not so you can prepare Lol.

bowflexMaleCanada2009-06-30 10:28:00
CanadaAOS'rs...
Good luck!!!

bowflexMaleCanada2009-11-16 09:58:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
I'd actually recommend trying to take some type of therapy where you wouldn't be prescribed drugs but maybe could talk things out and just get it out of your system. The situation sounds awful but that may help. I wish ya good luck as that's definitely no way to live!
bowflexMaleCanada2010-02-12 10:04:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
Lol Yeah it's time to back-out of this thread nice and slowly :whistle:
bowflexMaleCanada2010-02-11 15:51:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not

Really? Just out of curiosity, why???
I'm sorry, I have a hard time even thinking about hating Canada..
Not being rude, Galateia, just curious.

Think she's actually talkin about the USA
bowflexMaleCanada2010-02-11 11:24:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not

:thumbs:

I know that if I hated the U.S., my wife would have found a way to move here. Indeed, for a few months last year our plan was for me to continue working in Canada and have her find work in Seattle and move to Bellingham, which is about halfway between Seattle and here. It just so happened that I decided that if I was going through the immigration process anyhow, I might as well go whole hog and move to DC!

After my wife and her family went through SOOOO much through the immigration process for 15 years (and especially after 9/11) I asked my wife if she really even wanted to come back or if we should research other processes to be together. I've got an uncle in Australia and luckily we could've gone through a sponsorship process there but in the end she wanted to be near her family (live just outside of Windsor) and mine so she decided to come back.

I was just surprised at the response as she just moved to the States but per reading a lot of her story in the links in the other thread I couldn't judge either way. I wish good luck to everyone who's having a difficult time for sure though!
bowflexMaleCanada2010-02-11 11:19:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not

Galateia has had a hard time of the process. I completely understand how much she'd want to return home.

Oh I'm not judging at all, my wife and I had an extremely horrible time with the process too. It's just a choice to move here or not in the end. I know there are many variables but if my wife ever voiced an opinion like that to me I'd begin researching the process for other countries to move.
bowflexMaleCanada2010-02-11 11:05:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not

No. I hate it here and cannot wait to leave.

Wow.
bowflexMaleCanada2010-02-11 10:53:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (CanAmCharlotte @ Aug 14 2009, 03:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just read something on another immigration website that said that when Little Bush was in office he and Congress were well aware of Americans traveling through third party countries to Cuba but that it was strictly illegal and they were trying to figure out a way to stop it. Maybe under Obama or when Castro dies, these restrictions will be relaxed. I mean really, what exactly is the argument against it?

If you want a cheap-ish tropical vacation, I still say it's not worth the risk. Go to the Dominican Republic or Mexico instead.

I bet it's actually going to go away fairly soon. Obama already has met with Cuban officials and has opened up talks and that's 1,000% more than Bush was willing to do. That poor country is so beat up from all the sanctions it's time to end it, at least I hope smile.gif


bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-14 14:20:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (Marilyn. @ Aug 14 2009, 02:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I could be a loyal US citizen living in Canada just like I can be a loyal Canadian citizen living in the US.. loyalty is not about where you live...

I agree with this fully and actually never said that living somewhere equals loyalty smile.gif

bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-14 13:26:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (Carlawarla @ Aug 14 2009, 02:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just one question boxflex...why didn't you immigrate to Canada given your wife's treatment in the U.S. prior to her going to Canada? Did you two consider this?

Yep most definitely did smile.gif The problem was at the time she was in Canada her family's Humanitarian and Refugee case was still pending with the Canadian Government. With less that 35% of these cases being approved we couldn't seriously look at immigrating to Canada as it could've started the entire situation all over where we'd be forced to leave at a week's notice. Visiting my wife every weekend for 2 1/2 years, I met some very incredible people and even had quite a few of them attend our wedding in Windsor smile.gif


bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-14 13:23:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (trailmix @ Aug 14 2009, 11:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You are not a citizen of another country so you clearly don't understand - but that is ok! Not trying to give you a hard time or anything smile.gif

One other thing you mention - about just being 'born' in Canada - that we never had to 'fight' for it. Well that is true for probably most of us, technically, but that does not take away from the fact that many of our ancestors did fight for this country, on behalf of their fellow Canadians and for us too. To denounce Canada, for many, is to denounce our ancestors sacrifices.

It's a very complicated issue!

This is an excellent point, about the ancestors, and I definitely feel what you mean. I really enjoyed this debate and it actually helped me become a gold member now that I just looked haha. I actually do have a sense of loyalty and thankfulness to Canada because when no one else could help my wife and I be together, Canada allowed her family in at the VERY last minute. I remember the night before my wife was to leave she was at my house and I was showing her pictures of Windsor on a laptop because she was never able to go there. The first day we were all there I had her family follow me around and I showed them downtown, Casino Windsor, and a few other lil areas I had seen while clubbing there LOL.

bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-14 10:32:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
I also just wanted to make it crystal clear I don't look down on anyone who has moved to the US and has no plans on becoming a citizen or is still loyal more to Canada than they ever could be for America. I have certain viewpoints that have obviously made me very biased and I definitely understand that. I've just seen people fight so hard to become a part of America and it seems sometimes that folks who immigrate to the US don't actually value it, they are just waiting for their personal situations to change so they can leave and that saddens me.
bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-14 10:24:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (thetreble @ Aug 14 2009, 11:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
See, it's not just a piece of land. You are entitled to that opinion, but if you look at a country like just a piece of land, then you can never truly pledge allegiance to anything.

How could you be truly loyal to any place if it is just about geography and what kind of commitment could you give some place? If you can leave your country which is what most of us did, to be with the one we love, but have no feelings for your country, then how could you ever call yourself a patriot or proud.

What I hear you saying is your only true commitment is to your wife, which is completely fine!! I don't think there is a problem with that at all as I'm sure many people feel that way. But, your hard fast rules on American citizenship and how you should give up your nationality seem kind of futile then.

If you lived in a country that would now allow you back if you left, then you'd have no choice but to leave it to be with your significant other? I don't understand your point.

I have a fierce loyalty to America, but my priorities are the following:

1. My Wife and Family
2. My Country

America is great to me because of what it stands for, but my family are the ones who have always been there and will always be there for me. The government could change tomorrow in America and go back to the Bush ways or change completely to a different system, then all of a sudden I'd be deeply embarassed by what it stands for. I had to live through 8 years of garbage, along with hundreds of millions of others, just because of a bad government leading the way. In the end you are a citizen of Canada just because you were born there. You didn't fight for it, you didn't earn it at first, you just were, same as I am an American for those reasons. I think if someone is actually willing to fight for it and commit themselves to a country by immigrating and pledging themselves to that country, that is a very noble and endearing trait and those folks should be rewarded for it.

As for my question of if you would still leave Canada if you wouldn't be allowed back, that was more towards what I just stated above. If America required you to take the oath and Canada would not allow you back, would you have put that in front of living with your husband? In a second I would pledge allegiance to the country that I agreed to live in with my wife as being with her is more important to me than the country. America will not directly raise my children as my wife will, America may give me the opportunity to pick myself up if times get hard, but my wife will be the one grabbing me and helping me up.

I know we're waaaay off topic of what I've been stating so I'm just going to state what I meant one more time and then possibly just let this thread go as I dont' want anyone getting the wrong impression of me.

1. If you immigrate to a country, in my opinion, those who intend on leaving in a few years should be placed behind those who plan on staying their entire life. I know this is not logistically possible and will never happen, it's just how I feel.

bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-14 10:20:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (thetreble @ Aug 14 2009, 10:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
And saying that "if that's the case, then you shouldn't immigrate away from your country..."

No offense but...are you serious? Think of how silly that is. So, you shouldn't be with the one you love if you are not willing to drop your nationality and everything you know? I just don't understand how you could be involved on an immigration forum and have that thought process.

Oh I'm very serious. If you lived in a country that would not allow you back if you left it, would you still have left to be with your significant other? You left the country that you love and that raised you because you wanted to be with the one you loved. I am very thankful to have grown up in America and have all the opportunities that it's given me, but my wife is far more important to me than a country.

Leaving America to be with her would not be hard for me at all. I know some will say you won't know until you do it and such, but I was the one calling relatives that I have in Australia and checking on the UK's immigration policy when our immigration process was looking its darkest. To me America is a great country but in the end it's just that, a country, not my family. I have great memories of growing up in America, but the memories I cherish are much more about my family than a piece of land that I was walking or playing on.

If I was immigrating to a country it would only be to a place that I was willing to commit myself fully to while living with my wife. I would never immigrate to a country that I didn't see myself one day wanted to be a complete part of.

bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-14 10:01:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (trailmix @ Aug 14 2009, 10:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Scenario (using your thought process).

Let's say your wife was born in Canada and is a proud and happy Canadian that loves her country. You are obviously a proud American. You meet online and then in person and you have found your soul mates!!

You decide you want to get married and live happily ever after.

Now neither of you are willing to plege allegiance to any country other than your homeland and realistically your wife might prefer that you move to Canada in 10 years - so with your outlook, she really should not apply for U.S. citizenship.

Do you mean to say that you two should go to the back of the line for her immigration to the U.S.? Would you personally be willing to wait 10 years (not sure how long it takes to get refugee status in the U.S.) for her to be able to immigrate - based on your principles?

If this is the case than I don't think someone should immigrate away from their country. My wife remembers living in Yugoslavia and absolutely loved it, until the US bombed the ####### out of it and before the president decided he was going to start rounding people up and shooting them into mass graves. Her parents often show me pictures and talk fondly of their former home but not once do they ever say they are Yugoslavian (probably partly because that country doesn't exist any more but still LOL).

Her family now proudly says that "they're on their way to being Canadian" and they're just wearing smiles on their faces constantly. The family is now fiercely loyal to the country that is finally allowing them to live safe and well without fear of immigration corruption or government crapathy (I just made that up haha).

In my outlook if someone moves to a country but is not willing to be loyal to that country than I see no point in getting citizenship or really even immigrating. Moving to a country on a visa should also be about that country besides just the person. My wife moved back to the US because she saw potential in where it was going as well as the fact that I'm here. We watched the election together and when Obama was elected she actually cried and said that just proves that she made the right decision.

If someone has absolutely no loyalty or connection to America and is just moving over for a few years to make some money and then get out once it's convenient for them, I really don't think they should have the chance to immigrate before someone who does.

When it was looking like my wife may not be allowed to move back to the United States, we began researching immigration policies for several countries and were both prepared to pledge our allegiance to that country. To me this is just all part of moving to a country, to kind of fulfill a duty to that country as well. In summary, yes I would've waited 10 years if that situation had come up. My wife and I actually waited a year and a half after she moved to Canada to even begin talking about her moving back because at that time she couldn't forgive the US for what they had done to her family and herself.

bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-14 09:42:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (Kathryn41 @ Aug 13 2009, 05:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Bowflex, you state that you object to people taking out citizenship who don't intend to spend the rest of their lives in the US. How do you feel about Americans who choose to retire in places like the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica and even Mexico where they can afford a much better life style than they can in the US?

Hey Kathryn,

First and foremost, congrats on passing!!!

As for my posts, the only actual problem I have is people that come over on a visa but fully plan on leaving once their spouse retires or something along those lines. If someone applies at the same time as someone else and only one intends to stay for their entire life and get citizenship, I believe that person should be placed in front of the one who plans on leaving. If there is no intent on leaving when someone applies I have no problems as I know life can change and they may need to leave or whatever. I just don't think that people who are just coming over for a few years so that the family can make a few more bucks or something because the USC has a better job or something like that is right, just a personal opinion. I know that finances are a huge part of life, not as big to me as to some others, but I feel immigrating to a country should be about a lot more than just being with someone or making more money, there should also be a love for that country and a desire to make it better.

As for the loyalty, I would just like anyone who immigrates to another country to be loyal and work to improve their community while they're there. If someone immigrates to the US and then immigrates to another country, I just think they should be loyal and living well in whatever country they now live in.

Again, congrats on passing!

bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-14 08:58:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (trailmix @ Aug 13 2009, 04:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I would never go to live in a country where the government does not take uniting families seriously. As an American citizen I would have thought you would be proud of the fact that the U.S. does take it seriously (in the cases of minor children and spouses).

It's not to be taken lightly. On the other hand I see your point about refugees from war torn countries. However if looked at realistically - due to the sheer volume - it would seem that if spouses and minor children were to go to the back of the line, that they would be waiting say 10-15 years to join their American spouses (Fathers/Mothers).

In that case you would see a lot of very frustrated and angry Americans methinks.

Bottom line - it is not about the rights of immigrants bow - it's about the right of U.S. citizens to bring their families to their home country.

I most definitely think joining families together is a very important thing, but I also see no reason why there can't be different levels to that system. If the person wants to bring their SO over and then leave in a few years, fine, in my opinion this should be allowed but not before someone who's going to make America their home.

Also the sheer volume is a great point and I always have trouble with it because I just can't think of people anymore as statistics. I know that this is something the government has to take into account, I'll just never be able to get my head wrapped around that.

And yes, very good point about the USA not really caring about the immigrant's rights as that's so true it hurts. It's just not the right of any citizen to bring over their family, however, it's a priviledge. I had my wife already living in the States and I had absolutely no right or power to keep her here, I just had the opportunity to bring her back after the government shipped her away.
bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-13 15:20:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
I'm also not trying to be difficult or anything, I actually enjoy seeing the other side of this issue to broaden my horizons. I am very big about loyalty, not just to a country but to everything, just because of what I've seen over the last 7 years of being with my wife.

I've had to hear about a father being locked up by a corrupt Homeland Security Officer for 3 months, I've had to help my wife and her family pack up their condo into cars to go over a border within a week's notice, I've had to lay next to my wife the night before and watch her cry as she's being forced to leave the home she's known for 15 years. I've had to drive over a border that my wife's never been allowed to go near in the early morning and then spend all day looking for a place for a family of four to try to sleep at. I've watched this family who built everything from nothing in America get forced to live in a motel for a month and start completely over again when most people are just beginning to relax and enjoy their lives.

Now these people are amazing and now have their own home, full time jobs, cars, the works, and I've never been so proud to be a part of anything in my life. I've gone through pure hatred for the USA and have come to just acknowledge that every government has faults and that an entire country can't be judged just by those. There are good people here and it took me a very long time to realize that.

I'm not trying to say that others haven't gone through worse or anything like that, I just wanted y'all to see why I may feel the way I do about certain things. I am very happy that I feel comfortable enough on a forum to actually share something like that and I respect y'all greatly for your debating and willingness to discuss stuff LOL.

bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-13 15:11:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (thetreble @ Aug 13 2009, 03:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Again, I think your experiences reflect your view on the subject, bowflex. You keep on repeating that they give out spousal visas like Candy. I was unemployed for 10 months. Nothing sweet about that!

There are lots of spouses that are waiting for years.

Also, you should be able to retire anywhere you want! After you have worked for 30//35//40 years...go retire in Jamaica for all any one should care. Too much emphasis is being placed here on loyalty. Life is hard as it is just living it without worrying about the guilt you should feel for going to retire in your native country.

Being unemployed for 10 months was just part of the visa that you chose though unfortunately. Had you gone with the CR-1, you could've been working the day you moved if you chose. The ten month waiting period for this was actually due to the choice that you and your husband made and not as much as the stupid processes that exist. Granted the timeline of AOS stuff is insane and another part of the process that makes absolutely no sense, but I've been preaching about the changes that should be made during this entire thread.

The spousal visa, as long as neither person has a criminal record, disease, etc...is pretty straight forward and is MUCH easier than obtaining other visas. Heck people trying to get out of a country that is currently being bombed or is having ethnic cleansing going on have to wait many years whereas people who've met maybe three times and built their entire relationship while typing to each other online can be together in a year or less. Granted it can take longer getting a spousal visa in some cases but those extended times are the rarity and not the usual.

And again of course people should be able to retire and settle anywhere they want. I just don't see that those who view America as their temporary home should be given the same process as someone who's trying to make it their permanent home.
bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-13 14:54:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (BermyCat @ Aug 13 2009, 03:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I know that right now I don't intend to become an American citizen but I am pretty sure I'll be here for the rest of my life. I'm sorry if that sort of thing upsets you, bowflex. I love my husband very much and I really don't think he could ever be happy being really far away from his family. I'm fully commited to being here and contributing to the country through paying my taxes and volunteering for the forseeable future. Not wanting to become a citizen is a cultural identity thing. I just don't indentify as American. That may change in time. If I get to a point where I'd feel perfectly happy describing myself as an American/Bermudian/Canadian (BerCanAmerican maybe smile.gif), I'll go for citizenship.
~ Catherine

Oh trust me I'm not angered or upset by anything that's come up in this thread. I have no problem with anyone who doesn't wish to get citizenship here, I just believe that those who do have that intention should be placed in front of those who don't.


bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-13 14:40:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (JillA @ Aug 13 2009, 03:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm going to respect this country when I get citizenship, just as I do now.

Anyhoo, I love how we Canadians are so polite when we all have a difference of opinion. If this topic has been in the OT forum, things would be ugly by now laughing.gif

LOL This is by far the only reason I posted my actual opinion on this. Anywhere else I would've just left the thread and never returned smile.gif


bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-13 14:33:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (thetreble @ Aug 13 2009, 02:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
But how do you know that? That same person who believes they are going to commit themselves initially for life may change their mind in less than a year.

People have to do what is right for them, and it's really no one's business or even the government's, what they decide to do in the long run. That's what freedom is all about.

So, if I apply for citizenship in America I will be a tri-citizen. What if I get a great job opportunity in Britain and my husband agrees to move with me to Manchester? I would merely be using what governments have set up for people who are global citizens. We live in a global world. The world is not small any more and the ideas of citizenship probably have changed since even the 50s and 60s.

In the end, you can only ever be truly loyal to one thing, right? One country, one person, one job..(at a time, that is...) if asked to chose in certain situations. It's impossible to be loyal in love and war to two different entities. I think the entire idea of "dual" or even "tri" citizenship is not to make people out to be liars, it's to give them access to everything that has happened to them in their lives, whether it be people, places or job opportunities, etc. Or else, simply be a country that does not recognize it.

People are obviously more than welcome to change their mind, as stated before, I more have a problem with those who are coming to the States just for a few years or so and then plan on going right on back to the country. These people, in my opinion, are not as deserving as someone who plans to stay for their entire life. If things change and that person chooses to leave, then by all means they are allowed to do so. I've just read many times on this entire site that someone moves because their SO has a better job or has family ties at the moment in America but that they can't wait to retire back in their country. The system, in its current form, seems to put way too much emphasis on just having a spouse or fiance in the States and not at all on the intent or want to actually become a part of the USA.

Heck, people should be able to have 30 different citizenships, I'd have no problem with that as long as they are respecting those countries that they are citizens of. Too often it seems that people think of the USA or other countries as just a place to spend a few years with their SO and not actually their country when those who are moving are from comparable countries. I really just have a HUGE problem with the way visas are practically handed out through the spousal scenario but are so corrupted on the other processes.

My mind's going from topic to topic on this and I'm trying to stay on point so I'll stop here for now LOL.

bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-13 14:23:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (trailmix @ Aug 13 2009, 02:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yeah but Treble's point is, who knows that - did I know we would decide to move back to Canada after 15 months in the States? No. I guess i'm saying you can't use "intent" as criteria for immigration.

You know, Citizenship means different things to different people. I am a dual citizen - but I am Canadian, if asked I would not say I am a dual citizen, I would say I am Canadian. If they decided to make all U.S. citizens recite the oath - would I mean it - no.

On what citizenship means, I definitely agree it's different for different people. I do see where other posters are coming from about just going for citizenship for convenience, but unfortunately that's how the laws are currently setup so if they allow it, I have no problem with them doing so.

The reason for immigration, be it spousal, refugee, etc is already broken down in the system so I see no reason that intent couldn't also be. The fact that a refugee case could take up to 15 years is a mockery of the system when someone can bring over a spouse that they've met two or three times in a little over a year.

I've always thought that if someone moving to the States was willing to "commit" themselves to the States and go for citizenship and plan on living there forever, that should be expedited over someone that's just coming over with the intent to move back. I've got no ill will towards anyone that takes advantage of the way the system is currently set up, I just don't agree with how that system is currently functioning.

bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-13 13:25:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (thetreble @ Aug 13 2009, 02:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You are disregarding the fact that people's plans for the life can change....I don't think any one knows what they want initially when they move countries. I certainly didn't. I was just trying to get through the change, nevermind thinking about what I was actually doing. Plans change. I may be here for 10 years, I may be here forever...who knows...and I don't think that makes me any less worthy than someone who is moving from their country because there is a war going on.

I was speaking more of the people that are using the spousal visa to move here and have the intent to move back in a few years or upon retirement. Obviously life can change but I view it as kind of just "buying their time" and someone who plans to live in the States forever is more deserving of the faster processing times and moving here.


bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-13 13:13:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (JillA @ Aug 13 2009, 11:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I understand what you're saying, but... what if it's true? (the bolded part). Canada is at least equal to the US in many ways, so what's wrong with moving here just to be with your SO? You make it sound wrong to move here from Canada because of the reasons I decided to move here. Obviously it wasn't to get to a better life, because Canada is equal or better (IMO). What's wrong with living here for a few years and then moving back to Canada? Just because we move here, we need to stay forever?

I personally don't think that the people that are only moving to the States for a few years to be with someone before heading back to their country should be able to move faster than someone that's trying to come here on a refugee or-the-like basis. Just a personal opinion really due to the insane amount of time it can take for other visas on people that are planning on living their entire life here and setting down roots. I know this is probably will rub a few people on this board the wrong way but it's just how I feel. What makes someone that came here because they happened to meet someone from here more deserving than someone who's actually looking for a better life for their family?

My wife's family went through the refugee process, spent tens of thousands of dollars during their 15 years here on lawyers, forms, and the fees, then were told after that length of time that it was time to go. No one in their family ever took a dime from the American government for support, both of their daughters graduated early from high school and began attending college, and the parents worked full time jobs and bought a home. Meanwhile most of us spend maybe $5,000 and wait a year or so and boom, the person is here and ready to rock. I just can't agree with the way everything's structured right now.

I feel that someone that is fully committed to the US and wants to become a citizen and set down their roots and families in the States is more deserving than someone who's only in the USA for a years. Just how I feel smile.gif

Edit: I'd also like to add that I don't feel that anyone who immigrates to only stay for a few years shouldn't be eligible or allowed in any way. I just think this plan of action should be moved behind those who plan on staying forever.

Edited by bowflex, 13 August 2009 - 10:48 AM.

bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-13 10:47:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (flames9 @ Aug 13 2009, 11:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just wore cdn socks--no fingers crossed!! lol Though when people ask what nationality I am-I state Cdn!! And if I was of age, i would have had no problem signing up for the Selective Service, unlke others that have come here and complained! freedom isn't free!! Loved my 15 yrs in the Cdn Armed Forses.

LOL Many people don't sign up for the armed forces here anymore because they don't honor the length of time you sign up for anymore. There have been people I know that have done 4 and 5 tours over in Iraq and Afghanistan on the front line and they signed up to be a cook in the Navy or something. Just about everything involving the US Government right now is all jacked up haha.


bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-13 10:35:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (trailmix @ Aug 13 2009, 11:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well the 'crossing their fingers' comment - I meant that figuratively. However, if you are saying the oath and not truly believing it - well you get my drift.

Personally, I don't think that saying the oath and not meaning it is in any way disrespectful to people who have died in wars - that's stretching it a bit in my opinion - however, it is interesting that so many have a different take on what that oath actually stands for.

Oh I definitely knew you weren't saying it literally but I wouldn't be surprised at all if it's been done in the past. That's just sort of a blatant way of showing you don't really care what you're doing that it'd bother me.

I actually don't even really compare the actual oath to showing respect for soldiers and really just the American people. I'm more speaking of those who will take the oath but really have no interest or desire to become an American citizen. I get very defensive sometimes on these types of issues just because of what I saw my wife's family go through for all those years while trying to take that very oath and feel that they're part of this country. Whenever I read that someone simply moved to the United States because their SO had a better job than they did or something when they're already living in a country comparable to the US, it kind of frustrates me. I know it's exactly 100% not my business but that doesn't keep my illogical feelings from coming in LOL.

I view the spousal visa as sometimes being misused as some couples use it to be together for a few years and then fully plan on moving away once someone retires or something like that. Granted it's completely legal and most people don't have a problem with it, but I do. My wife's family moved away from their country to give their kids a better life and a brighter future and deserved a spot in the USA probably more than most of us do just for that reason. I'm not trying to start a debate or a fight, just wanted to clarify where I come from smile.gif

I only post these kinds of feelings in the Canada Forum because I fully know that everyone here reads these kinds of things and actually thinks about it instead of just ripping it apart. Plus you guys help me understand the country that my in-laws are now living in much better and keep me updated on new Tim Horton news as well LOL.


bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-13 10:29:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
Having family that have died in wars that America was fighting, I would be insulted if someone actually went into the oath ceremony and crossed their fingers or something along those lines. Now if the person just wore some Canada flare underneath their suit or something, I consider that more of just recognizing that they're now members of both countries and more power to them smile.gif

As long as the person who's taking the oath plans to live well and support America while they're here I say good luck and welcome smile.gif

bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-13 10:07:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (thetreble @ Aug 12 2009, 11:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, in some ways I agree and just so you know, I do plan on it because I think I would only be making it easier on myself and my family if I became a citizen.

But, you know, it would be easier from an immigration standpoint if the rules weren't structured in a way that you have to be in the country for years to prove you are worthy enough to gain citizenship and pay so much money before you even qualify for it, you know? For example, if I would have had to get some special spousal visa and pay some money there and fill out some documents and go through a process, okay cool, and then in a year I can apply for citizenship or something like that. laughing.gif You get my drift.

I could absolutely not agree with you more about the weird structure system they set up for citizenship. I do think, however, it was developed for the backwards citizens of America that think you've got to earn citizenship. I think by all of us who have gone through the process, waited a year or more to get our SO here, and then paying all that money, filling out all those forms, and gathering all that evidence, I think we've shown that it's rather important to us LOL. People too often forget that most people get their citizenship in a country simply by having the luck that their parents decided to have their kid at a certain hospital located on a certain piece of land. That's always funny to me smile.gif

My wife's family moved to Canada in 2004 from Michigan, waited about 2 years for their case to get approved, so we'll say late 2006 they received their permanent residence status. My wife lived in the USA for 15 years, moved to Canada for 2 1/2 years, and her parents will get their citizenship in Canada first. It's almost hilarious how illogical the system in the US is smile.gif


bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-12 10:25:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (Kathryn41 @ Aug 12 2009, 10:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Danu, I believe that for Germany if you apply for permission you can be allowed to keep your German citizenship as well. I have read of others doing that here - it might be worth investigating.

I don't know if I will have my oath ceremony tomorrow as well or not. Atlanta does do same day oath ceremonies but the ceremonies are at 2 o'clock and people start arriving for them at 1 o'clock. My interview is at 1:05 so I don't know if I will be finished in time for the cut off or not. I suspect I will have a later oath ceremony and not make the same day one just from the logistics of everything.

Thanks for the good wishes - I am going over all of the civics questions again and just hope I don't freeze up on the answers tomorrow!


Judging by your posts just in this thread it seems you've researched the reasons why you're going for citizenship and I have no doubt you're going to do great. You're probably like my wife in that she knows more about the USA than I do now, stupid American public school system haha smile.gif Great luck to you!


bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-12 09:48:00
Canadato become an american citizen or not
QUOTE (thetreble @ Aug 12 2009, 10:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Why? Don't you think it's enough that we pay thousands of dollars just to immigrate, live and work? What's the difference between becoming a citizen or just being a PR for the rest of your life? In the American Government's eyes, they are still making the same amount off you regardless. laughing.gif It's very expensive to become a citizen and I'm not even sure if I'd have the money at the time.

Oh I can definitely agree with the point that if someone doesn't have the necessary means to become a citizen that it's very understandable. I just believe that if someone moves to the States and is actually allowed to do so, which is obviously becoming harder and harder these days, they should go all the way. Completely a personal opinion of course and it's not like I completely disagree with those who choose not to, it's their choice. It's just how I feel and my wife and I have already began putting money towards that specific process when we are able to go for it. We both believe that it's a commitment that should be made smile.gif

bowflexMaleCanada2009-08-12 09:42:00