Passport renewal, and cascading paperwork issues.

 

I'm glad that I can now update my passport and renew my global entry card online.  The online process does not require me to surrender my old passport.  But it does make the old passport invalid as soon as I hit the final "Enter Key".  This would not be an issue for me, save that it limits my choice of cruises, as I can't book anything new until I receive my new passport book.  

But this isn't the last thing I need to do with this ID.  My Global Entry information (think of TSA PreCheck with extra return privileges for international flights) has to be updated with the new passport book number, as well as information held by each of my cruise lines.  Of course, I'll soon be dealing with Airlines as well, so that they all have my new Trusted Traveler Number (TTN).  And then, I'll have to apply for both a new UK ETA and an EU ETIAS for next year's Iceland cruise.

And all of this is needed, so that I, as a US citizen, can travel "freely".  But I expect to have more complications for international travel, as I will likely have a second passport from another country by the time I travel "across the pond."  Yes, I know that I must use my US Passport when entering and leaving the US.  But the airlines will have to transmit correct information to both the US and both the UK and EU when I travel overseas.  This is going to get confusing at first.  But I will have resources I can count on before I travel.

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It was an important thing that I took care of applying for the Foreign Birth Registry (FBR) when I did, as my citizenship by descent is likely grandfathered under the old rules.  My brother has his FBR paperwork, and can now apply for his second passport he can use when visiting his daughter.  Assuming I'm lucky, I'll have my FBR paperwork by year end, and will be able to apply for the second passport.

I still worry about what our president will do to stay in power.  It's well known that he's weakened America's election system, the national security apparatus, as well as destroying one of the best militaries in the world.  Will I be able to stay safe until I have the papers I need to leave the US for good if needed?  That, and other questions, inquiring minds want to have answered. 

My brother finally has his second citizenship.

 

The other day, I received an email telling my brother that he is finally registered in the foreign birth registry.  That means that once he has his second passport, he will be able to travel across the Atlantic to see his daughter without any other paperwork than his passports.  As for me, I will still need my UK ETA for this summer's cruise.  But I hope I will have my second citizenship and passport before my Iceland cruise in 2027.  Otherwise, I will need both a new UK ETA and an EU ETAIS, as I will have a new US passport issued next year.

In this day and age, it makes sense to have a way to leave the US.  I love America.  But with a senile, misogynist, racist, and incompetent authoritarian trying to destroy my country, I want my "Letters of Transit", so that RQS and I can leave for a new homeland if needed.  All too many people have forgotten the lessons of the past.  And I don't want to be a victim if the crud hits the fan.

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I'm glad that my brother and I are lucky enough to inherit another nation's citizenship through my grandmother.  There are way too many people in this country at risk with no way to exit. For transgenders, its a risk than many are avoiding by leaving the US while they still can.  In an article in Der Spiegel, the trials and tribulations of Americans leaving their homeland for Germany are discussed.  It's ironic that any descendant of a German Jew who escaped or survived the Holocaust is now welcomed by Germany.  (They have much more common sense than us in America.)

I figure that I might use a two-step process to leave the US if needed.  First, I'd get myself across the border, but close enough to take care of my remaining business in the US.  Once my bank accounts are emptied and the money moved overseas, I'd then leave North America for my new home.  (Money moved before arrival in the new country is not taxed.  Money moved after residing in the new country is taxed.)

As I say again and again - ALL Transgenders must have an exit plan ready while the Orange Monster is in control of government.  Get that passport now, as well as a second citizenship if eligible for one.  It's much better to be prepared for the worst, than to have no idea of what to do if it happens.