[chrsstrm]

It's a pretty flimsy metaphor, but just because I go on long trips and stay in hotels, doesn't mean I'm not obligated to pay rent on my apartment back home. My status as tenant is recognized through my contribution of my monthly rent. Without it, I have no standing. My decision to live elsewhere, either in the short term or longer, means I either have to deal with paying double housing or give up my apartment.

[ArchD]

Of course it's a flimsy metaphor. How do you make the choice to liken a country to an apartment with a long-term lease instead of a hotel that charges by the day or a club where you pay dues and can suspend your membership and due payment for a while?

If the US were an apartment, it would be a very strange apartment with numerous people entering and exiting it everyday.

[greg5green]

So it's like prison. Got it. Very American.

[sk5t]

It's a very leaky metaphor indeed... do not the millions of US citizens who neither earn income nor owe any tax receive far more benefits than the citizen abroad? Why should the working migrant be forced to foot the bill for a room for other people to inhabit?

[coopdog]

Most countries will, if you declare that you are closing up shop and living in anther another country for more than a year, allow you to cease all involvement with that country (including tax, levies, welfare), and then welcome you back as a citizen when you decide to come home. It's just too complicated otherwise.