5 ms·

“I gave back my U.S. citizenship. I’m going back to Serbia.”

55 points by cellis 10y ago

donretag 10y ago
"I returned my U.S. citizenship" Did the author return his citizenship because of FACTA regulations? FACTA has made it very difficult for Americans living overseas. EDIT: the US has made it very expensive to renounce your citizenship (which many are doing because of FACTA). I wonder if the author has thought about the cost.
- deleted 10y ago
  [deleted]
- gamblor956 10y ago
  A few years ago, when FATCA was the only information reporting regime on the block, it definitely drove a wave of expatriations. However, since most of the EU and China have adopted variants of FATCA that require even more information disclosure, I doubt FATCA was the reason he gave up his US citizenship. FTA, it seems like he was simply disappointed in the US and wants cut all ties as soon as he can.
- blinkingled 10y ago
  He is doing cleaning jobs and asking for donations just to afford a 900$ air ticket to Serbia. I'm not sure FACTA is on his mind.
  - Inconel 10y ago
    From what little I know of the topic, hasn't FACTA made US citizens rather unattractive to have as customers for most European banks? I've heard it can be difficult just to open a bank account as an American in Europe, unless you're extremely wealthy in which case I'm sure there're workarounds. If anything, I would imagine FACTA might be a big concern once this gentleman gets back to Serbia and discovers he can't open a bank account. Please correct me if my info is incorrect.
    - donretag 10y ago
      You are correct. More than just banking, it is difficult to get a mortgage, investing in stocks/bonds, or even financing a car.
keithnz 10y ago
I know certain people demonize those who accept government money when they can't work. But it's ok. It is important to know how to accept help when it is on offer from government / friends / family. Sometimes that might be a hard thing to do, but communities are stronger when they look out for people at rock bottom, it makes it a lot easier to get back on your feet. Pride can and does lead to a fall when in this situation and people can be a lot harsher on you when you are at your lowest. But when help is on offer, it's ok to accept it.
- tajen 10y ago
  In France we have unemployment benefits at 80% for 2 years. Startup creators can convert them into a lumpsum of 50% the total (name: ACCRE). I'm severely against this scheme, but my first advice to entrepreneurs is to take the ACCRE when they satisfy the conditions, because there's no way to be competitive without it. About friends/family: I've noticed that people living payday-to-payday have a harder time accepting presents from richer people. But it's ok. We spend money on various optional things like sponsoring a child abroad or holidays, so if we share our money with you, it's really because it's better spent on human relationships than on holidays. I'm aware that causes the recipient to acknowledge that they're in a difficult situation, and feeling guilty of not being able to provide enough is a common reaction (although it's often far from the correct reality), and that's why it has to become more commonplace to casually accept a big present when there's an earning gap. Especially when the person who offer makes it clear that they don't mind.
cylinder 10y ago
He did not actually renounce his citizenship, that would cost almost $3,000. But I don't want to make that the focus of comments here.
- ap3 10y ago
  Then what is the focus of the articlr? A guy going back home to visit family ? News at 11!
smsm42 10y ago
> Most people think I’m a Russian terrorist because of my accent. Really? I've had pretty strong accent when I first came to US, and I'm pretty sure I still have some now, and I never ever heard anybody telling anything about terrorists. Some people do assume I like vodka (which I don't, generally, and don't drink much at all) but terrorists? I don't think "Russian terrorists" are even a thing in public consciousness. Is there some cultural thing I am missing? > Very hard though, nobody wants to hire a foreigner In SF???? Is it some kind of alternate-reality goatee-wearing SF that I am unfamiliar with? I never heard anybody in real SF to care about it. I don't know about all the US, it's a big country and a lot of things happens, but I've been to SF. I've been living around SF for more than a decade. Does not compute. Am I living in a bubble of some sort? I mean I feel sorry for this guy who apparently has it very difficult and I don't mean to dismiss his experience outright, but it's so at odds with anything I've observed so far that I can't but wonder. Anybody has any experiences confirming/disproving such problems exist in SF and Bay Area in general?
- tnecniv 10y ago
  > I don't think "Russian terrorists" are even a thing in public consciousness. Is there some cultural thing I am missing? They are, but only in an action movie setting (same with Germans in the 80s...and Russians). I've never heard anyone vocalize legitimate concerns about them.
  - haimez 10y ago
    Sounds like there might be some projecting in play...
  - smsm42 10y ago
    I think in movies it's somewhere around 80s-early 90s, since then boogeymen changed a lot, according to current political situations. Maybe back now due to Putin, though, but can't remember any recent instance (I watch a lot of action movies, I find it relaxing :). "Russian mafia" is definitely a cultural thing, but different from "terrorists".
    - 10y ago
deleted 10y ago
[deleted]
finid 10y ago
Officially renouncing your (US) citizenship when you can't afford the cost is not the way to go. If you really mean to "check out", just get on a plane and say, "see yah later, 'gator". No one is going to come to Serbia to harass you about not paying taxes.
cnnsucks 10y ago
This story has some highly improbable parts. "I’ve been looking for a job here in San Francisco for the past three years. Very hard though, nobody wants to hire a foreigner. Most people think I’m a Russian terrorist because of my accent. ”You kill Americans. People say these things based on how I look and speak. It’s tough, you know? I get sad at heart when they shout like that at me. I just try to do good and provide for myself and my family." San Francisco... I've spent time in San Francisco. It's not like that. Almost 40% of the population is foreign born and gainfully employed at something. Probably 100% of the employers this guy is likely to be an applicant of are foreign born. I really, really doubt his narrative of irrational 'muricans shouting "turrurist herp derp!" at him. You can't find a job because you're old and living in a nation filled with unemployed older ex-workers. This state of affairs is deliberate policy so you're right to leave; it's not going to get better, particularly if you insist on living in CA. But please, stop it with the "everyone think i terrorist" fiction; most people in San Francisco struggle with very concept of terrorism; so-called terrorists are just the victims of capitalism righteously fighting back against their oppressors.
- foobarian 10y ago
  In my experience it's a cultural thing in the Balkans to assume everyone else is out to get you, and to complain about the government. It might even be a Russian/Slavic thing, but I'm less sure about that. Anyway I don't find the colorful rationalizations odd at all.
  - smsm42 10y ago
    "They're out to get me" mentality is definitely a thing for some people from ex-USSR, and so is a complaint about "locals hate us" - I've witnessed it in several countries. Not all people, far from it, but males middle-age, not finding the best employment and not culturally integrated - definitely happens. OTOH, I have a very skewed sample - I've met much more people from ex-USSR than from any other place, so such complaints very well may be a common human thing but because I've met more ex-USSR people I've seen it more among them. Complaining about the government in general is definitely a thing everywhere I've been so far :) Haven't been to North Korea though.
rinchik1 10y ago
https://medium.com/@rinatrussenov/very-interesting-and-surprisingly-short-story-4f3ab23dfb7f#.gj4midhvt https://medium.com/@rinatrussenov/very-interesting-and-surpr...
edblarney 10y ago
“Most people think I’m a Russian terrorist because of my accent.” This is ridiculous and false.
- arcticbull 10y ago
  I assume he means the people he interacts with, and unless that's you, it might be worth moderating your statement a bit.
  - edblarney 10y ago
    I've lived in America, Canada, Europe and around the world for many years. His position that 'everyone thinks he's a Russian terrorist' is false and bigoted towards Americans, who are by and large, very good people. There is no place in America wherein a man with an East-European Slavic accent will be 'assumed to be a Russian terrorist' by almost anyone. This man is very clearly down on his luck, has problems with skills and sociability - and it's a sad story. No doubt his 'thick accent' may add to his woes, but to suggest that 'everyone think's he's a Russian Terrorist' is unfair on his part.
fixxer 10y ago
WTF is this "Russian terrorist" label? Is this a thing? I've lived all over this country and I don't think I've ever seen those two words used together.
tropo 10y ago
It's looks. There is no protected class for looks, and it seems nobody gets a feel-good vibe by hiring those who don't look nice. It's not going to be any better for him in Serbia. The people there are human too.
ivanhoe 10y ago
Frankly, if he'd stayed in Serbia he'd probably end up homeless even sooner (I'm from Serbia, so take my word for it). He mentions Croatia so I guess that he's one of 200+K Serbian refugees who were forced out of their homes during the wars in 90s, and these poor people who lost everything are permanently caught in a limbo between Serbian and Croatian administration. Serbia is not helping enough, and Croats don't really want them back. So IMHO he was much better off in US in any case. At least for a while he lived a normal life, put his kids through the school and so on... totally don't see the need for pathos with giving up on the citizenship and what not, it makes zero sense to me?!

55 points by cellis 10y ago

"I returned my U.S. citizenship" Did the author return his citizenship because of FACTA regulations? FACTA has made it very difficult for Americans living overseas. EDIT: the US has made it very expensive to renounce your citizenship (which many are doing because of FACTA). I wonder if the author has thought about the cost.

deleted 10y ago
[deleted]
gamblor956 10y ago
A few years ago, when FATCA was the only information reporting regime on the block, it definitely drove a wave of expatriations. However, since most of the EU and China have adopted variants of FATCA that require even more information disclosure, I doubt FATCA was the reason he gave up his US citizenship. FTA, it seems like he was simply disappointed in the US and wants cut all ties as soon as he can.
blinkingled 10y ago
He is doing cleaning jobs and asking for donations just to afford a 900$ air ticket to Serbia. I'm not sure FACTA is on his mind.
- Inconel 10y ago
  From what little I know of the topic, hasn't FACTA made US citizens rather unattractive to have as customers for most European banks? I've heard it can be difficult just to open a bank account as an American in Europe, unless you're extremely wealthy in which case I'm sure there're workarounds. If anything, I would imagine FACTA might be a big concern once this gentleman gets back to Serbia and discovers he can't open a bank account. Please correct me if my info is incorrect.
  - donretag 10y ago
    You are correct. More than just banking, it is difficult to get a mortgage, investing in stocks/bonds, or even financing a car.

keithnz 10y ago

I know certain people demonize those who accept government money when they can't work. But it's ok. It is important to know how to accept help when it is on offer from government / friends / family. Sometimes that might be a hard thing to do, but communities are stronger when they look out for people at rock bottom, it makes it a lot easier to get back on your feet. Pride can and does lead to a fall when in this situation and people can be a lot harsher on you when you are at your lowest. But when help is on offer, it's ok to accept it.

tajen 10y ago
In France we have unemployment benefits at 80% for 2 years. Startup creators can convert them into a lumpsum of 50% the total (name: ACCRE). I'm severely against this scheme, but my first advice to entrepreneurs is to take the ACCRE when they satisfy the conditions, because there's no way to be competitive without it. About friends/family: I've noticed that people living payday-to-payday have a harder time accepting presents from richer people. But it's ok. We spend money on various optional things like sponsoring a child abroad or holidays, so if we share our money with you, it's really because it's better spent on human relationships than on holidays. I'm aware that causes the recipient to acknowledge that they're in a difficult situation, and feeling guilty of not being able to provide enough is a common reaction (although it's often far from the correct reality), and that's why it has to become more commonplace to casually accept a big present when there's an earning gap. Especially when the person who offer makes it clear that they don't mind.

cylinder 10y ago

He did not actually renounce his citizenship, that would cost almost $3,000. But I don't want to make that the focus of comments here.

ap3 10y ago
Then what is the focus of the articlr? A guy going back home to visit family ? News at 11!

smsm42 10y ago

> Most people think I’m a Russian terrorist because of my accent. Really? I've had pretty strong accent when I first came to US, and I'm pretty sure I still have some now, and I never ever heard anybody telling anything about terrorists. Some people do assume I like vodka (which I don't, generally, and don't drink much at all) but terrorists? I don't think "Russian terrorists" are even a thing in public consciousness. Is there some cultural thing I am missing? > Very hard though, nobody wants to hire a foreigner In SF???? Is it some kind of alternate-reality goatee-wearing SF that I am unfamiliar with? I never heard anybody in real SF to care about it. I don't know about all the US, it's a big country and a lot of things happens, but I've been to SF. I've been living around SF for more than a decade. Does not compute. Am I living in a bubble of some sort? I mean I feel sorry for this guy who apparently has it very difficult and I don't mean to dismiss his experience outright, but it's so at odds with anything I've observed so far that I can't but wonder. Anybody has any experiences confirming/disproving such problems exist in SF and Bay Area in general?

tnecniv 10y ago
> I don't think "Russian terrorists" are even a thing in public consciousness. Is there some cultural thing I am missing? They are, but only in an action movie setting (same with Germans in the 80s...and Russians). I've never heard anyone vocalize legitimate concerns about them.
- haimez 10y ago
  Sounds like there might be some projecting in play...
- smsm42 10y ago
  I think in movies it's somewhere around 80s-early 90s, since then boogeymen changed a lot, according to current political situations. Maybe back now due to Putin, though, but can't remember any recent instance (I watch a lot of action movies, I find it relaxing :). "Russian mafia" is definitely a cultural thing, but different from "terrorists".
  - 10y ago

deleted 10y ago

[deleted]

finid 10y ago

Officially renouncing your (US) citizenship when you can't afford the cost is not the way to go. If you really mean to "check out", just get on a plane and say, "see yah later, 'gator". No one is going to come to Serbia to harass you about not paying taxes.

cnnsucks 10y ago

This story has some highly improbable parts. "I’ve been looking for a job here in San Francisco for the past three years. Very hard though, nobody wants to hire a foreigner. Most people think I’m a Russian terrorist because of my accent. ”You kill Americans. People say these things based on how I look and speak. It’s tough, you know? I get sad at heart when they shout like that at me. I just try to do good and provide for myself and my family." San Francisco... I've spent time in San Francisco. It's not like that. Almost 40% of the population is foreign born and gainfully employed at something. Probably 100% of the employers this guy is likely to be an applicant of are foreign born. I really, really doubt his narrative of irrational 'muricans shouting "turrurist herp derp!" at him. You can't find a job because you're old and living in a nation filled with unemployed older ex-workers. This state of affairs is deliberate policy so you're right to leave; it's not going to get better, particularly if you insist on living in CA. But please, stop it with the "everyone think i terrorist" fiction; most people in San Francisco struggle with very concept of terrorism; so-called terrorists are just the victims of capitalism righteously fighting back against their oppressors.

foobarian 10y ago
In my experience it's a cultural thing in the Balkans to assume everyone else is out to get you, and to complain about the government. It might even be a Russian/Slavic thing, but I'm less sure about that. Anyway I don't find the colorful rationalizations odd at all.
- smsm42 10y ago
  "They're out to get me" mentality is definitely a thing for some people from ex-USSR, and so is a complaint about "locals hate us" - I've witnessed it in several countries. Not all people, far from it, but males middle-age, not finding the best employment and not culturally integrated - definitely happens. OTOH, I have a very skewed sample - I've met much more people from ex-USSR than from any other place, so such complaints very well may be a common human thing but because I've met more ex-USSR people I've seen it more among them. Complaining about the government in general is definitely a thing everywhere I've been so far :) Haven't been to North Korea though.

rinchik1 10y ago

https://medium.com/@rinatrussenov/very-interesting-and-surprisingly-short-story-4f3ab23dfb7f#.gj4midhvt https://medium.com/@rinatrussenov/very-interesting-and-surpr...

edblarney 10y ago

“Most people think I’m a Russian terrorist because of my accent.” This is ridiculous and false.

arcticbull 10y ago
I assume he means the people he interacts with, and unless that's you, it might be worth moderating your statement a bit.
- edblarney 10y ago
  I've lived in America, Canada, Europe and around the world for many years. His position that 'everyone thinks he's a Russian terrorist' is false and bigoted towards Americans, who are by and large, very good people. There is no place in America wherein a man with an East-European Slavic accent will be 'assumed to be a Russian terrorist' by almost anyone. This man is very clearly down on his luck, has problems with skills and sociability - and it's a sad story. No doubt his 'thick accent' may add to his woes, but to suggest that 'everyone think's he's a Russian Terrorist' is unfair on his part.

fixxer 10y ago

WTF is this "Russian terrorist" label? Is this a thing? I've lived all over this country and I don't think I've ever seen those two words used together.

tropo 10y ago

It's looks. There is no protected class for looks, and it seems nobody gets a feel-good vibe by hiring those who don't look nice. It's not going to be any better for him in Serbia. The people there are human too.

ivanhoe 10y ago

Frankly, if he'd stayed in Serbia he'd probably end up homeless even sooner (I'm from Serbia, so take my word for it). He mentions Croatia so I guess that he's one of 200+K Serbian refugees who were forced out of their homes during the wars in 90s, and these poor people who lost everything are permanently caught in a limbo between Serbian and Croatian administration. Serbia is not helping enough, and Croats don't really want them back. So IMHO he was much better off in US in any case. At least for a while he lived a normal life, put his kids through the school and so on... totally don't see the need for pathos with giving up on the citizenship and what not, it makes zero sense to me?!