Rights of Americans Living Abroad

As more and more Americans move to foreign countries, realizing the benefits of living in other countries, it has become even more important for Americans to know their rights, duties and responsibilities. We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions to educate the public on this growing trend. This list is intended to inform, enlighten and help people be lawfully abiding citizens outside of the United States while enjoying the world in a way you may have never seen before!

Photo Credits: AP Images

Can I get married abroad?
Yes, but it depends on the country you go to. Some countries may ask you to live in the specific country for a minimum amount of years, take a blood test and/or have a parent consent. For more information, go to http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/32122.htm.

If I give birth to a child overseas, will he/she be able to get U.S. citizenship?
If you and your significant other are both citizens of the U.S., then yes, your child is eligible to to become a U.S. citizen also. But, if only one of you is a U.S. citizen, then your child can become a citizen if one parent has lived in the U.S. for 5 years before your child has been born (2 years must be after the parent is 14 years old). If your situation is more complicated, this website could further help you answer your questions: http://www.aca.ch/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=89&Itemid=44.

Am I still able to vote in the United States’ elections even though I’m living abroad?
If you are a U.S. citizen, then yes, you can vote through absentee voting, which is when someone votes even though he/she isn’t present in the United States. American citizens are allowed to vote overseas courtesy of the Overseas Vote foundation which created the Voter’s Bill of Rights (found here).
http://www.aca.ch/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=34&Itemid=49

Photo Credits: AP Images

What health insurance plans are available abroad?
Health insurance plans around the world are often very similar to those here in the United States. Just as in the U.S., you must learn to pay attention to the details; some plans may cover one thing but not another, although it is very similar. Understand the plan!
http://www.liveabroad.com/articles/health.html

Does Medicare provide coverage when travelling abroad?
No. Medicare only provides coverage in the United States, if travelling abroad it is suggested to purchase traveler's insurance.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html#insurance


What should you do in an event of an emergency if you’re abroad?
In an event of an emergency it is recommended to contact the U.S embassy as soon as possible. Consular duty personnel are available for emergency assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at U.S. embassies, consulates, and consular agencies overseas and in Washington, D.C. To contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the U.S. call 1-888-407-4747 (during business hours) or 202-647-5225 (after hours). Contact information for U.S. embassies, consulates, and consular agencies overseas may be found at http://www.state.gov/countries.

Photo Credits: AP Images

               

Do Americans living abroad still have to file taxes with the United States Federal Gov’t?
Yes. As long as you still have a United States citizenship, you are required to file taxes just as you would if you live in the States. There is one difference however: you are required to report all income earned in that tax year regardless of which country it was earned in.
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=250788,00.html

Photo Credits: AP Images

By Ben, Joanne and Aaron