Neil Young says his U.S. citizenship application has been delayed over 'use of marijuana'
Rock legend Neil Young wants to become a U.S. citizen, but his quest to citizenship has been delayed over his "use of marijuana."
The Canadian-born Rock and Roll Hall of Famer said on his website Friday that he wants to "be a dual citizen and vote" in the 2020 election, but his application is being held up.
"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," wrote Young, who turns 74 Tuesday. "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."
Never afraid to take a stand: Neil Young tackles climate change and more in new album 'Colorado'
Young cited a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' April policy alert, which was proposed by former Attorney General Jeff Sessions and implemented this year.
According to the policy, "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."
Young continued: "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)."
Neil Young: Obama and Trump 'both losers' in battling climate change
The Buffalo Springfield alum – who has resided in the U.S. since the 1960s, when he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a music career – said he may have to return to Canada during his ongoing naturalization proceedings.
"I don't think I will be able to remain parked here during the proceedings," he wrote under a photo of a ridiculously stretched limo with 10 wheels and 16 windows on each side – and, of course, six American flags. He added that he will keep fans updated on any developments.
In October, Young told the Los Angeles Times that he felt inclined to become an U.S. citizen because "we’ve got a climate emergency, and governments are not acting."
Just last year, the rocker lost his Malibu home in the California wildfires and challenged President Trump attributing the fires to bad "forest management" instead of climate change.
"I’m still a Canadian; there’s nothing that can take that away from me," he told the Times. "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."
More: Miley Cyrus, Neil Young, Gerard Butler and more lose homes in California wildfires
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Neil Young's U.S. citizenship application delayed over marijuana use
