I just got my US passport! It only took a little over two weeks. The people in line at the post office kept complaining about the complexity of the process but that’s because they never tried getting a passport in Canada where you study the photo with a magnifying glass to make sure there isn’t a trace of a smile on your face. For those of us whose faces are not naturally grim, it’s very hard to contort our visages into a look that will satisfy the Canadian passport officials.
“Nah, it still looks like you are smiling in this photo,” they keep telling you.
My penultimate Canadian passport sported a photo where I puckered my lips to the point of looking like an angry aardvark. In comparison, the US passport application process was a breeze.
I’m still not feeling American and I won’t until I cross some borders with this passport and finally vote.
If you ever hope to give a speech in Saudi Arabia like your sister, don’t go to Israel anytime before that. The Saudis won’t let you into the country if they see Israel’s stamp anywhere in your passport.
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After you start voting, be prepared to be called for jury duty — as a new American, you might actually enjoy participating in the U.S. justice system.
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I absolutely would. And I won’t mind missing work for something this important.
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“still not feeling American and I won’t until I … finally vote.”
Nyah, you’ll be real American when you start making bullshit reasons to not vote (it’s raining! they’re all crooks!)
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Would that make all the people who vote regardless not real Americans?
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Let’s just say I have my suspicions….
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Hey Clarissa, enjoy the heck out of the customs line when you do get to take your next international trip! :))
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I’m Global Entry. It usually works very well.
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I traveled on my passport before Global Entry was a thing. It made quite a bit of difference from the passport I had before in terms of how quickly I got through customs and security. I don’t know if the passport you hold makes a difference for Global Entry or not.
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OT:
My condolences to Senator McCain’s family. To a war hero, a patriot, and a flawed man, may he rest in peace.
John McCain: 10 moments that will shape the senator’s legacy
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