The title “immigrant” seems like such an incorrect classification for my legal status considering I’ve spent precisely one year and six months living in my mother country. Don’t get me wrong, cultural pride sets in when asked the generic first day question “what’s something interesting about you?” and I inform everyone that I’m Canadian. But growing up along my peers taking the same amount of U.S. history classes and having the same discussions about the recent political debates reminds me of my unfortunate inability to vote.

Voting is the opportunity to take part in an important political process and for citizens this is a way to ensure their personal views have a say in major local, state and federal decisions. For me, it means I get to sit on the sidelines and watch how things play out. Though it’s unfortunate I’m not able to participate, I’m really not complaining. There’s less expectation to be updated on what’s going on with the election and I have never lost any friends because of my political views.

Due to my circumstances and family dynamic, I lack the passion many Americans possess of their loyalty towards specific political parties. However, I do enjoy weighing the pros and cons of each political stance rather than firmly stand with one. So when someone asks who I am going to vote for or which candidate I agree with most, I simply reply that I’m a Canadian citizen therefore I can’t vote. The conversation then continues without my input, and I sit back being entertained by the debate that ensues, sometimes even serving as a peacekeeper when things get rough.

Interestingly, one of the candidates shares the same background as myself. Ted Cruz while physically born in Canada, is still considered to be American since his mother is a U.S. citizen. He grew up in Texas and has since renounced his dual citizenship and is now solely a citizen of the U.S. And on behalf of Canada, we gladly salute you to whatever the future awaits you dude.

In all seriousness, it raises the question as to who is considered a “natural born citizen” as the constitution states. In Cruz’s case, his citizenship is naturalized through his mother while Canada automatically grants citizenship to anyone physically born in the country. In my case, my family and I were born in Canada but I moved to the U.S. at six months and moved back for a year later on. If I were to obtain American citizenship in the next year and then run for presidency I would be unable to run.

Is this just? Is this constitutional or not? The United States was founded on immigrants and thrives because of foreigners coming into the country. They should absolutely be given the same opportunities and respect regardless of their status. At the same time, if the law is made to where natural born citizen refers to anyone who has American citizenship regardless of their circumstances, then this could create problems. A foreigner may pass the citizenship test one year, but this doesn’t mean they’re suited to be president. It’s a tricky issue, and I know I can be proven wrong on this, but in the end it is best to keep presidential candidate qualifications the same. This ensures that the president is fully equipped to lead a nation so based on democracy.