Canadian rock icon Neil Young has opened up about his desire to be an American citizen, and what it is that he thinks has delayed the process.
Despite having lived in the United States since the late ’60s, it often comes as something of a surprising reminder for many rock fans to realise that Neil Young is in fact still a Canadian citizen.
Having moved to the US following the dissolution of the Mynah Birds in 1967, and living illegally until he received a green card in 1970, Neil Young has been a central figure in the world of rock and folk music for over 50 years.
Frequently, the rocker has found his music being utilised by politicians such as Donald Trump, who Young finds be a contentious fellow, and going so far as to deny him permission to use his music in the future.
In a new post on his Neil Young Archives site though, Neil Young has explained how he’s been trying to become a US citizen ahead of the 2020 election so that he may have a chance at voting Trump out of office.
However, his attempts have been stalled, claiming that his usage of marijuana may be in conflict with the application form’s “good moral character” clause.
“I want to be a dual citizen and vote,” Young began. “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.
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“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.”
Pointing out how the application process states that anyone “involved in certain marijuana related activities” may in fact lack “good moral character”, even if such behaviour 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,” Neil Young concluded.
While it remains to be seen whether or not Neil Young will find his American citizenship application approved, there’s no word yet as to how his comments might inspire his fans to vote in the next US election.
Check out ‘Keep On Rockin’ In The Free World’ by Neil Young:
