Even though he has lived in America for most of his life, Neil Young remains a Canadian citizen.
However, the 73-year-old rock icon has been attempting to become a dual US citizen for some time now.
The delay is reportedly due to Young’s widely known history of marijuana use.
As CoS observes, most of Young’s life to date has been spent in the US and paying taxes in the US.
Young has been trying to get his American citizenship approved once and for all so that he can vote in the upcoming presidential election.
The music outlet reports that Young has completed the whole application process. He passed his citizenship test and was scheduled to take the oath this past Tuesday.
That's when he ran into problems Young was told there’s been a delay in the process because his use of marijuana may indicate a lack of GMC, or “Good Moral Character”.
This is a very real part of the US citizenship requirements thanks to Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
To prove he has good moral character, Young has had to complete another test to show he’s a good guy with marijuana:
“I sincerely hope I have exhibited good moral character and will be able to vote my conscience on Donald J. Trump and his fellow American candidates, (as yet un-named),”
Young continued: “I will keep you posted, but I don’t think I will be able to remain parked here during the proceedings.”
According to his website, Neil Young Archives, the rocker explained
“I want to be a dual citizen and vote. When I recently applied for American citizenship, I passed the test."
"It was a conversation where I was asked many questions. I answered them truthfully and passed. Recently, however, I have been told that I must do another test, due to my use of marijuana and how some people who smoke it have exhibited a problem."
The problem is defined in an April 19, 2019 addition under Attorney General Sessions. USCIS issued a Policy Alert which includes:
‘An applicant who is involved in certain marijuana-related activities may lack GMC (Good Moral Character) if found to have violated federal law even if such activity is not unlawful under applicable state or foreign laws.’
I sincerely hope I have exhibited good moral character and will be able to vote my conscience on Donald J. Trump and his fellow American candidates, (as yet un-named).
I will keep you posted, but I don’t think I will be able to remain parked here during the proceedings.
ny”
