Decision Made - Dual Citizenship for Louise and the Kids

So it’s something I have often thought about since Jacob was born.  Should I become an Australian Citizen?  Most people probably don’t see it as a significant decision to reach but our citizenship is part of who we are and where we have come from.  If we are honest we are all a little patriotic and feel a certain pride in our nationality, so ask yourself, is your citizenship something you would really want to relinquish?

For me the answer was quite simply “No”.  I may no longer choose to live in Scotland due to the path circumstances have lead me along in life but I am Scottish (Okay so OFFICALLY I am British) and I love being Scottish.  My heart just wouldn’t allow me to forfeit that.

However, I plan to spend the rest of my life here in Australia and my children are Australian Citizens so I believe that it is only right I should have the privileges of a person who was born here.  I already live by Australian values, so it’s not like anything really changes but I will be able to be part of decision making processes that have an impact on my family’s life.

So I want to play an equal role in the community I live but I don’t want to give up my Scottish passport.  Therefore I am going to have my cake and eat it.  I am going to apply for Dual Citizenship, the best of both worlds.  I will still be able to travel freely around Europe on my British passport but will enter Australia on my Australian passport (this will make it so much easier for our family when returning to the country from overseas trips, I will be able to stay with Jason and the kids unlike the last time when we had to split up on re-entry). I will also have all the rights and responsibilities of every other Australian.

The Immigration Department likes to believe that it is the step you make to be able to say “I am Australian”.  Well in all honesty I don’t think I will ever class myself as Australian but  I think I will be making a statement that I love and respect this country and am living my life by its values and beliefs.

So that’s me sorted but what about the kids?  I have decided that I am going to organize Dual Citizenship for them too.  If they decide to go travelling around Europe when they get older then everything will be in place for them to make it easier.  They won’t need to worry about Visa’s or work permits or arranging their own dual citizenship it will all be there for them ready to go.  And at the end of the day, they are 50% Scottish (SORRY British) and I want that to be something they celebrate.

So I will be getting the ball rolling in a few weeks and the process takes around 3-6 months so who is coming to my citizenship ceremony to see me take my “Pledge of Commitment” and of course the party and drinks afterwards?