Chewbacca is an alien. Yeah, I knew that.
It's difficult to evaluate an actor other than in terms of his or her character, especially when said character wears a fur suit and speaks in growls. However, the actor who plays Chewbacca is apparently able to communicate in normal tones, and has passed the requirements to become a U.S. citizen:
On Monday, the actor who played [Chewbacca] will take the oath to become an American citizen.
British-born Peter Mayhew will be among 441 people from 77 countries who will become naturalized Americans in a ceremony in Arlington, Texas.
Mayhew, 60, played the fur-covered warrior Chewbacca in the original "Star Wars" trilogy of the 1970s and 1980s, and the latest movie, "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith."
"I got married to a Texan lady. That more or less decided it," said Mayhew, who has been married to his wife, Angelique, for six years.
In most cases, an immigrant must be a legal permanent resident for five years before becoming a citizen. The wait is three years if the person marries a U.S. citizen. He also must pass history, English and civics exams....
"I am feeling very happy about it," Mayhew said. "Whatever people say about America, it is still one of the most wonderful countries in the world, despite the politics, religion and everything else that goes on."
"I know that I have the best of both worlds with the dual nationality," he said....
I had thought that dual nationality was illegal. Apparently it isn't:
Dual Citizenship
In the 1980's, the Supreme Court ruled that citizenship is a constitutional right that cannot be taken away from a citizen who does not intend to relinquish it. Therefore, such actions as naturalization in a foreign country, travel on a foreign passport, employment with a foreign government, and voting in a foreign election do not automatically jeopardize American citizenship. However, please note that all U.S. citizens, even dual nationals, must enter and depart the United States on U.S. passports.
As of January 1, 1983, not all children born in the United Kingdom automatically acquire British nationality. For information regarding your child's possible claim to British nationality, you are advised to contact the:
Immigration and Nationality Department
Home Office
3rd Floor, India Building
Water Street
LIVERPOOL
L2 0QN
Website: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk
Here's a bit more on the matter:
Dual Nationality (Adults)
When the British Nationality Act 1948 came into effect on 1 January 1949, citizens of the United Kingdom and colonies who subsequently became naturalised citizens of other countries no longer automatically lost their British nationality. Since that date, citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies who became naturalised citizens of a foreign state retained their status as British subjects, citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies, unless they made a formal declaration of renunciation in front of a British Consul or other British official authorised to accept such declarations. A declaration made before a foreign official for the purpose of acquiring another nationality or for any other purpose did not affect the position in United Kingdom law. With the enactment of the new nationality law (British Nationality Act, 1981) which came into effect on 1 January 1983 the provisions for the recognition of dual nationality and the procedure for renunciation of British citizenship have been retained.
So you actually have to make a concerted effort to dump your British citizenship. And even then you'll probably have a longing for tea at four.
Although acquisition or use of US citizenship does not of itself jeopardise retention of British citizenship, and there is not objection on the part of British authorities to a dual citizen using a US passport, it should not be assumed that the reverse is also true. A US citizen voluntarily acquiring British citizenship may lose his US citizenship; and a dual citizen who makes use of his British citizenship in certain ways, for example joining HM Forces, taking an oath of allegiance to Her Majesty and in certain circumstances exercising other rights or privileges of British citizenship, may jeopardise his US citizenship. The US authorities expect dual citizens to travel out of and into United States territory only on US passports. British citizens who are also US citizens are therefore advised to consult the US State Department (or if overseas a US Consul) before taking any action which might be regarded as inconsistent with their status as US citizens.
A British citizen may return and resume residence in Britain at any time, regardless of being a dual national, provided that he has not made a formal declaration of renunciation of British citizenship as described in paragraph one above.Such persons may in British law exercise any right possessed generally by British citizens, but of course it is their own responsibility to ascertain from the appropriate US authorities what effect, if any, their action may have on their status as a citizen of that country.
Children born in the United States whose fathers (and for those born after 31 December 1982 either of whose parents) are British citizens become United States citizens by birth and may also be British citizens by descent....
British citizens who are also citizens of another country are advised that they cannot be accorded official British protection when they are in the territory of the other citizenship. If, under the law of that country, they are liable for any obligation (such as military service) the fact that they are also British citizens does not exempt them from it.
Well, I hope Peter Mayhew can keep it straight. And welcome to the USA, Peter.
Comments
i LOVE chewbacca....he's my hero! :P