<p>I’m applying to some American colleges this fall, after which I’m considering a career in politics. However, I’m an international student; I have been a British citizen all my life, and was born and grew up in the UK. My mum is Malay, and my dad Pakistani. </p>
<p>What is the American political system like, and how far can you go (Senator/Governor etc.) if you were born in Britain? How much does it matter it matter if you become an American citizen or not? And what do you need for a career in politics?</p>
<p>It’s one thing if you were born overseas and grew up here. But coming here as an adult? Unless you have enormous political skills which you probably don’t given that you are wondering if it matters whether you become a citizen or not…I’d say you should probably look into becoming a dentist or something else.</p>
<p>I imagine if you want to hold a political office in the US you’d at least need to be eligible to vote. Even Schwarzenegger became a citizen back in the 80s.</p>
<p>Presumably, I’d need to become a citizen, then? I didn’t think it didn’t matter if I were a citizen or not; I was wondering how much it mattered if I were a citizen or not.</p>
<p>I will also be slightly younger than average when I get to college (16, to be precise); how old does one have to be to be considered an “adult” under American law?</p>
<p>If you didn’t know that you have to be a citizen to run for office, give up now. Pursuing a career as a politician is kinda ridiculous, especially for a non-citizen coming to America at 16. Prepare to be a lawyer and see where life takes you. I wouldn’t get hopes up as a non-white born in the UK. </p>
<p>But assuming you become a citizen, absolute all-star, etc. you could go everywhere but the presidency.</p>
<p>Do you have a Green Card? That would be the first step. Going to school in the US doesn’t mean you get to stay when you graduate, many internationals do not understand this so do your homework!</p>
<p>You can still go into politics, just not as a politician. You can work for a congressman, you can become a lobbyist, you can intern on Capitol Hill. Not being a US Citizen doesn’t bar you from any of those things. Study history or political science at a top college, and talk to the people in your college’s Career Center about building a resume and getting a good summer internship.</p>