The Case For Neil Young Becoming A U.S. Citizen

Neil Young
MusiCares 2010 Person of the Year
Ever since the news hit that Neil Young's Application To Become A U.S. Citizen Delayed Due to "Possible Lack of GMC (Good Moral Character)", the usual surreal feel around here at TW has gotten just a bit more surreal -- if that was ever possible.

The plan was for Neil Young to have been sworn in on his 74th birthday last week on November 12. But alas -- it was not to be -- despite his level of dedication to charitable causes and worthy benefits demonstrating not only his excellent GMC but that Neil Young is a humanitarian rebel WITH causes, also.

So will Neil Young ever become a U.S. citizen? Or will the man "Born in Ontario" remain the loner from another planet?

From "Can Neil Young Ever Become a U.S. Citizen? Admitting to marijuana use in the Trump era seems to be a crime akin to murder. Can the Hall of Famer slip through? | Rolling Stone by Angie Martoccio:

According to several immigration lawyers, it won’t be as easy for Young as simply retaking the test.

“If [an] officer doesn’t approve or refuse it, they will recommend it for approval for a person to have their swearing in,” says Anastasia Tonello, a New York immigration lawyer. “But that would typically go to another stage, like a supervisory level to approve it or to say that they need more checks.”

Even so, getting caught with weed over 50 years ago shouldn’t ostensibly affect Young’s naturalization. His application would be denied if he had appeared to lack good moral character during the statutory period of the last five years. During the interview process, Young admitting his marijuana use is what may have caused his application to be delayed. “As soon as he said yes, he set off this little chain reaction,” says Jonathan Grode, an immigration lawyer and adjunct professor at Temple University.

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So what can Young do to become a U.S. citizen? According to Carol Edward, an immigration lawyer who holds a dual citizenship with the United States and Canada, he has two choices. “If he’s denied naturalization, he can appeal the decision. And beyond that, he can file a lawsuit in federal court challenging their determination.”

For fans, speaking up would also help speed up Young’s naturalization in time for the 2020 election. “Free speech and public outcry is the basis for change,” says Grode. “Is it fair within the naturalization process to consider this an issue of good moral character? As more and more states are pushing towards medical marijuana and legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes, isn’t it time that our federal laws reflect the consensus of the nation?”

“We’re at a tipping point within our country as it turns on how we handle cannabis and marijuana usage,” Grode adds. “The more people that talk, the more people that step out the more people that complain, the greater chance you’re going to get political action because they see that as their constituents talking.”

Full article @ "Can Neil Young Ever Become a U.S. Citizen? Admitting to marijuana use in the Trump era seems to be a crime akin to murder. Can the Hall of Famer slip through? | Rolling Stone by Angie Martoccio.

Also, see CITIZEN NEIL: Canadian Neil Young's Application To Become A U.S. Citizen Delayed Due to "Possible Lack of GMC (Good Moral Character)".

Neil Young & Daryl Hannah
March for ERA - Los Angeles, CA, January 20, 2018

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