Despite being outspoken about the United States’ politics for decades, Neil Young has remained a Canadian citizen. But that was all set to change this week when Young was scheduled to have his American citizenship approved so he could be a dual citizen and vote in the upcoming election.

In an interview with The Los Angeles Times a few weeks ago, he talked about what it would mean to finally be able to have a democratic voice in the country that he’s spent most of his life in. “I’m still a Canadian; there’s nothing that can take that away from me,” he said. “But I live down here; I pay taxes down here; my beautiful family is all down here — they’re all Americans, so I want to register my opinion.”

But in a recent post on his Neil Young Archives website, Young has revealed that, even though he passed his citizenship test and was scheduled to take the oath this Tuesday (11/12), his approval has been delayed because of his marijuana use.

I want to be a dual citizen and vote. When I recently applied for American citizenship, I passed the test. It was a conversation where I was asked many questions. I answered them truthfully and passed. Recently however, I have been told that I must do another test, due to my use of marijuana and how some people who smoke it have exhibited a problem.

The problem is defined in an April 19, 2019 addition under Attorney General Sessions. USCIS issued a Policy Alert which includes:

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

I sincerely hope I have exhibited good moral character and will be able to vote my conscience on Donald J. Trump and his fellow American candidates, (as yet un-named).

I will keep you posted, but I don’t think I will be able to remain parked here during the proceedings.
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Young recently released his first album with Crazy Horse in seven years, Colorado.