However, it is probably natural that Lithuanians living abroad are most looking forward to the referendum, who might consider the possibility of having the citizenship of both their home country – Lithuania, and the citizenship of a country friendly to Lithuania where they live. This time, Gintaras Bernikas, who has lived in the United States for 22 years, shared his story and opinion about the referendum on the preservation of citizenship.
He left for a while, but he stayed
A Lithuanian living in America says that he came here 22 years ago after using one program.
“And after completing the whole program, I stayed a little longer. I came to Minnesota and worked in agriculture there. Later, I came to a unique island, where I worked as an environmental supervisor for the first year. Later, I was engaged in painting, and now I am building a house,” says the interviewer.
According to him, he currently works as a carpenter in America.
Would like to have dual citizenship
The Lithuanian perfectly remembers the referendum held in 2019, which, according to him, was not successful.
“I really hoped that I would be able to collect the required number of votes, but it was not possible. However, I really hope that this time it will be successful. I really want all people to make an effort and vote for the well-being of us and the whole of Lithuania”, says G. Bernikas.
According to him, people need the opportunity to have dual citizenship. This gives you more options.
“I myself have Lithuanian citizenship. If I had American citizenship as well, there would be more opportunities. After all, I have lived here for many years, I don’t want to choose between Lithuania and America. It would be nice to have both citizenships, it would be easier to travel and work,” explains the interviewer.
G. Bernikas emphasizes that although he himself has been living in America for over 20 years, he is very protective of his Lithuanian citizenship.
“I had the opportunity to get American citizenship more than once. But I still hold on. However, I think that after these elections it will be necessary to decide what to do. I could not choose American citizenship, but time is running out and I want certainty”, says the Lithuanian.
He started a family in America
G. Bernikas also created a beautiful family in America. His wife is from Jamaica, but has been living in America since she was 14 years old.
“She has both American and Jamaican citizenship. We got married ten years ago. After living together for a long time, we now have twins. They currently have a little more than a year,” the interviewer is happy.
Currently, G. Bernikas has Lithuanian citizenship, but he cannot have American citizenship until he renounces the passport of his native country. His wife, somewhat differently, has two citizenships.
“My children have American passports. When they grow up a little, we will try to return to Lithuania and arrange citizenships of this country for them. If the mother wants, the children will most likely have Jamaican citizenships as well,” says the Lithuanian.
If the current situation does not change, G. Bernikos’ children will be able to hold American and Lithuanian citizenships until the age of 18. However, if the referendum takes place, they will be able to have dual citizenship forever.
He speaks only Lithuanian with the children
Although the Lithuanian living in America does not currently plan to return to his native country permanently, he says that he can never know concrete plans for the future.
“If the children want to return to Lithuania, we will all return together. We have to wait until they grow up, then we will all decide together. Maybe the children will like living in Lithuania more than in America. Time will tell, planning is difficult now,” says the interviewer.
Although G. Bernikas has lived abroad for many years, his Lithuanian language is simply impeccable. He says that he also only communicates with his children in Lithuanian.
“And even though they don’t speak yet, I only speak Lithuanian with them. We also have Lithuanian books that we read to them. We will try to communicate only in Lithuanian”, says the man.
He says that he is very happy to see his friends’ children who speak Lithuanian, even though they live in America. After all, according to the interviewer, nurturing the Lithuanian language is simply necessary.
He is waiting for the referendum with excitement in his heart
G. Bernikas claims that he would have all the guarantees if he had American citizenship. According to him, when you only have a green card, you have fewer guarantees.
“I am less protected by the law. If I had American citizenship, I would also have more social guarantees. For example, they are important for buying a house,” the interviewer points out.
A Lithuanian living in America emphasizes that the referendum is very relevant both for him and for his friends and relatives.
“Everyone wants dual citizenship. And although some of my friends, like me, have retained their Lithuanian citizenship, most who have been living here for a long time have already chosen American citizenship,” he explains.
According to the Lithuanian, the majority of Lithuanians living in America, who still retain the citizenship of their native country, dream of returning and living in Lithuania.
“I want to keep my Lithuanian citizenship, but my children were born in America. If I have no other option, I will choose American citizenship. However, I would very much like to keep the passport of my home country as well”, says G. Bernikas.
Tags: years Amber living America referendum fails forced choose give
