Why do Saudis want their children to become US citizens? LOCAL VIEWPOINT Last updated: Friday, October 17, 2014 11:35 PM Abdulaziz Mohamed Al-Dhikair Al-Riyadh A number of Saudis and people of some other nationalities have of late become obsessed with the idea that their pregnant wives must give birth to their children in the United States. They want their children to be born in the US so as to obtain birth certificates that will make them eligible for American citizenship. These are personal matters which we have no right to criticize. We cannot ask these people to stop taking their wives to the US to have their children because this is their personal choice which we have no option but to respect. Former British Prime Minister Margret Thatcher was able to convince Parliament in the 1970s to cancel the legal right of foreigners born in Britain to automatically obtain British nationality. The legislation also covered children born to British men and women married to foreigners. Thatcher took this step for purely demographic, social and political reasons, especially since British nationals are entitled to medical care and medicines in addition to many other benefits. Although we do not have the right to question their actions, Saudis who take their pregnant wives to deliver in America should weigh all aspects before taking this step. When their children become Americans, they will be subject to the rules of the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and they will have to pay taxes to the US government even if they are working in Saudi Arabia. They will also be subject to US laws with regard to matters, such as divorce and child custody. The US still continues to grant its nationality to anyone born there. Anyone born in any part of the US has the right to Social Security. They also enjoy the benefits of America’s care and attention if they are living in other countries. Students and visitors returning to the Kingdom from the US speak about a remarkable rise in the number of these benefits. They also say that an increasing number of people are migrating to the US to benefit from the numerous services extended to citizens. They say that some US Congressmen are considering drafting laws that will make the acquiring of American citizenship more difficult. When children born in America are granted citizenship, their parents can easily visit them, obtain a Green Card or even citizenship through them. It is no wonder that America every year receives a large number of immigrants. Although we do not have the right to question their actions, Saudis who take their pregnant wives to deliver in America should weigh all aspects before taking this step. When their children become Americans, they will be subject to the rules of the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and they will have to pay taxes to the US government even if they are working in Saudi Arabia. They will also be subject to US laws with regard to matters, such as divorce and child custody. Saudis should carefully calculate all the pros and cons of obtaining US citizenship before they take their pregnant wives to deliver in the US.
Posted on: Sat, 18 Oct 2014 10:00:24 +0000
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