Legendary musician Neil Young has recently expressed his apprehension about returning to the United States following his current European tour. The Canadian-born artist, who has lived in the U.S. since the 1960s, only officially became an American citizen in 2020. However, his path to citizenship was far from smooth—something his wife, actress and filmmaker Daryl Hannah, has now opened up about, shedding light on what she described as the “ridiculous” treatment Young endured during the process.
Despite his decades-long residency in the United States and his well-known contributions to American music and culture, Young faced unexpected hurdles while attempting to secure his citizenship during the administration of former President Donald Trump. According to Hannah, the journey was frustratingly slow and fraught with unnecessary complications, making the already complex naturalization process even more challenging.
Young’s desire to become a U.S. citizen wasn’t simply about status—it was deeply personal and political. At the time, he stated that he wanted to vote in the 2020 presidential election, a right only granted to U.S. citizens. Given his outspoken political beliefs and criticism of the Trump administration, it’s easy to imagine that his public persona may have contributed to the complications he faced.
Hannah revealed that the process dragged on unnecessarily, with several delays and obstacles that appeared to be politically motivated or simply overzealous applications of bureaucracy. She described the situation as “ridiculous,” especially considering Young’s long-standing ties to the country. The couple’s frustration was further amplified by the fact that Young had been a tax-paying resident of the United States for decades and had integrated deeply into American society—professionally, socially, and culturally.
Now, years later, Young’s concerns have shifted from becoming a citizen to maintaining his ability to freely enter and exit the country. He recently shared fears that, once his European tour concludes, he may face difficulties reentering the United States. Although he is now a U.S. citizen, his past struggles with the system and ongoing political tensions appear to have left him uneasy about how he might be treated upon return.
These concerns highlight broader issues about immigration and citizenship processes in the U.S., particularly during politically charged times. The fact that someone as high-profile and respected as Neil Young had to jump through so many hoops—and still fears complications—speaks volumes about the challenges ordinary immigrants may face under similar circumstances.
Young has always been a vocal advocate for justice, environmental causes, and social responsibility, often using his platform to call out perceived injustices. His personal experience with the citizenship process adds a poignant layer to his activism, underlining the bureaucratic barriers that can obstruct even the most deserving candidates.
As he continues his tour across Europe, fans and followers are watching closely, hoping that his return to the U.S. will be as seamless as it ought to be for any citizen. But Young’s recent statements serve as a sobering reminder that, sometimes, even citizenship doesn’t guarantee peace of mind.