Neil Young’s US Citizenship Application Delayed Due To ‘Marijuana Related Activities’

Neil Young claims his application for United States citizenship was delayed due to his lack of “Good Moral Character (GMC).” Young, who is a Canadian citizen, cites his involvement in “marijuana related activities” as the cause for his application being held up by American government officials.

Young explained his situation and desire for dual citizenship on his Neil Young Archives website. Young pointed to the April 19, 2019, USCIS Policy Alert entitled “Controlled Substance-Related Activity And Good Moral Character Determinations,” which states in part:

[T]hat violation of federal controlled substance law, including for marijuana, established by a conviction or admission, is generally a bar to establishing GMC for naturalization even where the conduct would not be a violation of state law.

An applicant who is involved in certain marijuana related activities may lack GMC if found to have violated federal law, even if such activity is not unlawful under applicable state or foreign laws.

Young’s note stated that after passing an initial U.S. citizenship test, during which he answered many questions “truthfully,” he was told another test was needed, “due to my use of marijuana and how some people who smoke it have exhibited a problem.” The message from the musician, who turns 74 tomorrow, closed with hope that he will be able to “vote my conscience on Donald J. Trump and his fellow American candidates, (as yet un-named)” and a promise for updates on the situation.