Loving your country

I got my green card around 15 years ago, but never applied for a USA citizenship. My friends used to ask me why. I gave them reasons like "I may join politics someday in India" and "I want to keep one leg in US and another in India", but none of the reasons were convincing to them or to even myself. The bigger reason was the love for my country. But that was hard to quantify, even justify. Many NRIs living abroad do a lot for India than most Indians living in India will ever do. So, why???

After I decided to move back to India, I consulted with an immigration attorney on whether I should get USA citizenship or am willing to let go of my green card after a couple of years. He asked me the same question that my friends have been asking "Why are you confused? Most people would choose the USA passport instantly.". I said "Not completely sure. I just like having my Indian passport. Can't exactly describe. It's probably silly." He was leaning back in his chair until then, leaned forward right away and said "Stop right there. What you feel is significant, very important. Don't dismiss that feeling is being trivial. I feel the same about my country (USA)."

I am not justifying this to be the reason why one should move back to India. It's actually one of the poor reasons. As I mentioned above, many NRIs do a lot for India than most Indians living in India will ever do. But, it's a valid reason. It's good to love your country, your city/village, school, and people back home.