Popular comedian and actor Ronny Chieng recently revealed that he has officially been granted US citizenship after passing the country’s naturalisation interview and test.
He was congratulated on becoming a US citizen by legendary actor Bill Murray while speaking to the audience in between the recording of The Daily Show, the popular satirical news television programme by Comedy Central, of which Chieng is the host.
Comedian Ronny Chieng officially becomes a US citizen
In the viral clip, Chieng was taking an off-air question from an audience member when Murray walked in and congratulated The Daily Show host, saying,
“They said that you’re very excited today because today you just found out that you have become an American citizen.”
Murray then hugged Chieng before returning backstage. It was Chieng’s turn to host The Daily Show on that day and interviewed Murray as a guest on the programme afterwards.
Chieng then confirmed to the audience that he had indeed been granted US citizenship, noting,
“It’s a crazy experience to become a US citizen on the same day you’re supposed to interview Bill Murray.Ā It’s been a long day.
“I had to go for the (naturalisation) interview, they asked you like 100 questions, they’re questions I bet none of you could answer. I had to memorise how many colonies there were, the states and who was the President right now, it was very difficult.”
Watch the video here:
Chieng had to renounce his Malaysian citizenship to become a US citizen
A Malaysian-American hailing from Johor Bahru, Chieng’s US citizenship means that he had renounced Malaysian citizenship, as while the US allows for dual nationality, Malaysia doesn’t.Ā
According to the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Constitution of Malaysia doesn’t recognise dual nationality and those who wish to become a citizen of another country must terminate their Malaysian citizenship.
Meanwhile, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services asserted that an individual can become a US citizen by naturalisation if they’re a lawful permanent resident and meet the requirements established by the country’s Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act.
So, what do you guys think of Chieng renouncing Malaysian citizenship to become a US citizen? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.Ā
