Should Green Card Holders be Able to Vote? (deported, school, election)

[oz in SC]

Originally Posted by knowledgeiskey

Why shouldn't they? They do everything an ordinary US citizen does. They own properties, work jobs, and have US born children.

Because when you have a green card,you are not a US citizen.

There is nothing stopping you from becoming naturalised however and then you can vote.

[oz in SC]

Originally Posted by knowledgeiskey

So what if they aren't citizens?

They reap the same benefits that US citizens have.

Okay...what is the point of being a US citizen then?

[oz in SC]

Originally Posted by knowledgeiskey

If the US depends on green card holders to risk their lives in war, I'm sure they should be able to vote.

Nothing is stopping them from becoming naturalised,it isn't that difficult really....

[Dane_in_LA]

I'm a Green Card holder, and as much as I like to claim that it's taxation without representation, the situation is easily remedied - I could go for citizenship if I so desired. In the meantime, I am free to take part in debate, and to spend time & money supporting my preferred candidate if I wish. Seems like a fair arrangement, all around. (And on the plus side, I get to skip jury duty.)

Originally Posted by Kracer

Green card holders can vote in their own country.

Not necessarily the case - there are plenty of countries with a residency requirement for voting. The US is an outlier in this respect - then again, the IRS reserves the right to tax US citizens overseas, which is also pretty rare.

[oz in SC]

Originally Posted by knowledgeiskey

We should redefine what a US citizen is. I think a US citizen should be anyone who lives and works within the US jurisdiction.

Quid pro quo?

Can I then live in Mexico and be a Mexican citizen?

[Dane_in_LA]

Originally Posted by oz in SC

Quid pro quo?

Can I then live in Mexico and be a Mexican citizen?

No idea about Mexico, but there are countries where legal residents are welcome to vote in local elections.

[Maabus1999]

Umm. No. Should you be able to vote in other countries as an Ex-Pat? Didn't think so...

[oz in SC]

Originally Posted by Dane_in_LA

No idea about Mexico, but there are countries where legal residents are welcome to vote in local elections.

What countries would those be?
And what do you mean 'local elections'?
What about the national elections?

[wrecking ball]

Originally Posted by Gary Siete

Resident aliens shouldn't have the vote but they are required to register for Selective Service:

Selective Service System: Fast Facts / www.sss.gov
"Some non-citizens are required to register. Others are not. Noncitizens who are not required to register with Selective Service include men who are in the U.S. on student or visitor visas, and men who are part of a diplomatic or trade mission and their families. Almost all other male noncitizens are required to register, including illegal aliens, legal permanent residents, and refugees. The general rule is that if a male noncitizen takes up residency in the U.S. before his 26th birthday, he must register with Selective Service."

interesting.

color me wrong. live and learn

[wrecking ball]

i'd like to change my vote then........ if you are eligible to be drafted to war for a country then i believe you should have a vote/say in the matter of that country..