the close connection between taiwan and the united states has led to some interesting political dynamics. from time to time, the issue of loyalty to taiwan is raised – for example, in 2008, during his successful presidential campaign, the fact that ma ying-jeou has sisters and a daughter who are american citizens was criticized. james soong has been criticized for having extensive property holdings in the united states and for the fact that his children are american citizens. several legislators and government officials from kmt have been controversially alleged to have permanent u.s. residency status or u.s. citizenship without renouncement while serving in public office. similarly, this has been raised as an issue in the feud between li ao and yuan t. lee, whose children are also american citizens. this issue is partly one of socio-economic status as people with extensive connections with the united states are considered richer and more privileged than the average taiwanese.