Nonagenarian Returns to India to Fulfil Last Wish
A 90-year-old woman from Andhra Pradesh has renounced her United States citizenship to fulfil her final wish of dying as an Indian citizen. The woman, identified as P. Sita Devi, a native of Kakinada in East Godavari district, had been living in the US for several decades before deciding to return to her homeland.
Formal Renunciation Process Completed
According to officials at the US Consulate in Hyderabad, Sita Devi formally renounced her US citizenship on March 15, 2025, at a ceremony held at the consulate. She had earlier submitted her application and undergone the mandatory interview process. The renunciation was approved after she paid a fee of $2,350 (approximately ₹1.95 lakh) and signed an oath of renunciation.
“I wanted to die as an Indian citizen. My roots are here, and my ancestors are from this land. I have no regrets about leaving the US,” Sita Devi said in a statement after the ceremony.
Emotional Return to Kakinada
Following the renunciation, Sita Devi immediately travelled to Kakinada, where she now resides with her younger son and his family. She had been living in the US for over 40 years after moving there to be with her children. Her husband passed away in India several years ago.
Her son, M. V. Ramana, said, “My mother was very clear about her desire to spend her last days in India. She often said that no matter how comfortable life was in the US, her heart belonged to Andhra Pradesh. We supported her decision wholeheartedly.”
Legal Implications of Renouncing US Citizenship
Renouncing US citizenship is a legal process that involves an irrevocable loss of citizenship. The US State Department notes that individuals who renounce must do so voluntarily and with the intent to relinquish citizenship. They may also be subject to an exit tax if they meet certain criteria, though Sita Devi’s case did not involve significant assets.
According to data from the US government, approximately 3,000 people renounced their US citizenship in 2024, with many citing tax burdens or personal reasons. However, cases like Sita Devi’s, driven by emotional and patriotic motives, are less common.
Community Reaction
Local residents in Kakinada have praised Sita Devi’s decision. Neighbour K. Satyanarayana said, “It is inspiring to see someone at this age make such a sacrifice for their love of the country. She is a true patriot.”
Sita Devi now plans to spend her remaining time visiting temples in the region and reconnecting with old friends. “I am at peace now,” she added. “I have come home to die, and that is the greatest gift.”
