What's the scoop on dual citizenship (U.S.A.)?

[ShibbOleth]

I have read about people that allegedly have dual citizenship, and even been told by some people that they had or were looking to get dual citizenship. Mrs. ShibbOleth is a naturalised United States citizen, and it’s been a while, but IIRC the USA does not allow dual citizenship, more specifically, when you take U.S. citizenship you must foreswear allegiance to all other governments. The only exception to this was for minors, who could maintain dual citizenship, but at the age of majority would essentially have to choose sides.

Can anyone confirm or correct this viewpoint?

[berdollos]

on this topic.

[ShibbOleth]

*Originally posted by berdollos *
**on this topic. **

Thanks, there is a lot of related stuff out there. Although I could not find a specific cite for the laws involved, one site did have a pretty good general definition, which boiled down to “we don’t recommend dual citizenship because of the complications, but we don’t expressly forbid it.”

There was even a Cecil column and then a (mild) retraction.

[Beruang]

I recall hearing of some federal legislation that would allow immigrants from Mexico to have dual citizenship. I don’t know if it passed or is in effect, though.

[friedo]

Many Jews in the US have dual citizenship with Israel. A friend of mine has dual citizenship in Canada and the US, but that’s because his mother is Canadian and his father American, so that may not be official anymore (he’s no longer a minor.)

[ruadh]

The Cecil column is here (it’s the second question on the page).

[China_Guy]

My two cents. The US government DISCOURAGES citizens from being dual nationals. That said, they do accept it. You can check out this site http://www.state.gov

My daughter holds both a Chinese and a US passport. AFAIK, she does not have to choose at age 18. She can retain dual nationality in US eyes for her entire life.

I have personally encountered US embassy personnel who actively tried to get me to give up my daughters Chinese citizenship (she is only 14 months old). The trials and tribulations of getting a pro forma visa are detailed in a pit thread here http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=75000

[AbbySthrnAccent]

*Originally posted by friedo *
**Many Jews in the US have dual citizenship with Israel. A friend of mine has dual citizenship in Canada and the US, but that’s because his mother is Canadian and his father American, so that may not be official anymore (he’s no longer a minor.) **

My father is a US citizen, my mother was canadian and is now naturalized US citizen. When she went through the citizenship process when I was in high school, we were told that while other countries recognize a dual citizenship the US does not. As the OP states she had to foreswear allegiance. My brother and I had the option of choosing, but the decision had to be made by age 21 IIRC.

As dual citizenship was explained to us (way back then) the US does not recognized it. However when a US citizen applies to another countries that recognizes dual citizenship (as when a Jewish born here applies for citizenship to Israel) that’s usually what people are referring to as dual citizenship.

Things may have changed bit since then however.

[flodnak]

Rich Wales’ Dual Citizenship FAQ

[kferr]

I was born in the US and just became naturalized as a Brit. From this site http://travel.state.gov/loss.html I found

As already noted, the actions listed above can cause loss of U.S. citizenship only if performed voluntarily and with the intention of relinquishing U.S. citizenship. The Department has a uniform administrative standard of evidence based on the premise that U.S. citizens intend to retain United States citizenship when they obtain naturalization in a foreign state, subscribe to routine declarations of allegiance to a foreign state, or accept non-policy level employment with a foreign government

So unless I state otherwise, they assume I intend to keep my US citizenship.

[douglips]

Originally posted by AbbySthrnAccent My father is a US citizen, my mother was canadian and is now naturalized US citizen. When she went through the citizenship process when I was in high school, we were told that while other countries recognize a dual citizenship the US does not. As the OP states she had to foreswear allegiance. My brother and I had the option of choosing, but the decision had to be made by age 21 IIRC.

There is a really bogus rule (which I took advantage of) that if your birth was not registered, you are entitled to be a citizen of Canada and remain a dual citizen. It seems that if your parents did register your birth, you may have lost your right to claim Canadian citizenship at age 21 or so.

The bogus result is that if your parents followed the rules, you lose. If your parents forgot, like mine did, you can be a dual citizen.

My sister-in-law has the same heritage that I do, but her parents did register her (mine forgot.) So, she’s checking into it, but I think she may be screwed.

More info:
Were you Born Outside Canada to a Canadian Parent? (Canadian Government site)
Excerpt (bolding mine):

You are eligible if you were: [ul][li] Born outside Canada (after December 31, 1946 and before February 15, 1977) in wedlock to a Canadian father and your birth was never registered with the Registrar of Canadian citizenship.[]Born outside Canada (after December 31, 1946 and before February 15, 1977) out of wedlock to a Canadian mother and your birth was never registered with the Registrar of Canadian Citizenship.[]Born outside Canada (after December 31, 1946 and before February 15, 1977) in wedlock to a Canadian mother and a father who was not a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth. [/ul][/li]

[ruadh]

That’s an interesting site, douglips. Though it doesn’t explain why a very good friend of mine, who was born in Ireland in 1978 to a mother with Canadian citizenship, was granted Canadian citizenship himself.

[douglips]

Sorry I didn’t notice this sooner, ruadh.

My understanding is that before 1977 the birth had to be registered, and if the birth wasn’t registered you had to do the process I did.

However, if you were born after 1977 to Canadian parents, you are automatically Canadian unless you explicitly renounce your Canadianity. At least, that’s my recollection from when I did all my paperwork and research, I haven’t gone back to check now.

So, to sum up, if you were born outside Canada to Canadian parents:
[ul][li]Before 1977 and your birth was registered: You may no longer be a citizen if you are over some age (25?). This is the part I’m least sure of.[]Before 1977 and your birth was not registered: You can correct the oversight of your parents by applying for a citizenship certificate - but this loophole may be closed by future legislation. This is what I did.[]After 1977: You are golden, and can get your citizenship certificate at any time.[/li][/ul]

But, if this is relevant to you, please contact the Canadians and ask them to be sure.

[xicanorex]

*Originally posted by ShibbOleth *
**I have read about people that allegedly have dual citizenship, and even been told by some people that they had or were looking to get dual citizenship. …Can anyone confirm or correct this viewpoint? **

I think different posters gave you good info. on dual citizenship with China, Britain, Israel, and Canada. I would like to add that you can also be dual citizen via Mexico. According the official web site for the Mexico Embassy in US ( http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov ):

http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/eACSfaq.html#DualNat

I was born in Mexico but am now an American citizen. Can I claim my Mexican nationality?
U.S. law recognizes that Americans may also be citizens of other countries. As of March 20, 1998, Mexican law recognizes dual nationality for Mexicans by birth, those born in Mexico or born abroad to Mexican parents. U.S. citizens who are also Mexican citizens should be aware that they will be considered Mexican by local authorities and that their dual nationality status could therefore hamper U.S. government efforts to provide consular protection. Dual nationals will not, however, be subject to compulsory military service.

It is important to note that travelers possessing both U.S. and Mexican nationalities must carry with them proof of their citizenship of both countries. Under Mexican law, dual nationals entering or departing Mexico must identify themselves as Mexican citizens or face a stiff fine. Under U.S. law, U.S. citizens must enter U.S. territory with documents proving U.S. citizenship.

**What effect will this have on my American citizenship? **

It is very difficult to lose U.S. citizenship, and exercising your dual nationality will not result in the loss of your American citizenship.

Generally, even an act such as working for a foreign government will not result in loss of citizenship without a formal declaration of the intent to renounce allegiance to the United States. However, in order to hold certain positions of public trust, dual nationals must take an oath of allegiance to Mexico and disavow all loyalty to other nations. Some of the job categories this rule affects are the military and security forces, the diplomatic corps, the judiciary, and certain high offices of the Mexican government.

XicanoreX

[China_Guy]

It’s my undertanding that generally one has to go to an embassy and formally renounce citizenship, turn in your passport, etc.

IIRC, the US, will not accept renouncing citizenship if they have reason to believe you are doing so to avoid paying US taxes.

[ruadh]

IIRC, the US, will not accept renouncing citizenship if they have reason to believe you are doing so to avoid paying US taxes.

China Guy, a law was passed about this several years ago. As I recall they’ll let you renounce your US citizenship, but they’ll keep taxing your earnings for ten years afterwards and you may be permanently barred from entry into the States.

[lolagranola]

FWIW - one of my best friends who grew up in Canada with me, has a dual American/Canadian citizenship. She’s over the age of 25, and currently works in the US. I don’t recall her having to choose a single nationality at any point.

When she travelled Europe, she took both passports with her, and got to choose which one to use in every country.

[douglips]

Lola-

It sounds like your friend has the exact opposite situation to me. It sounds like she was born in America (or in Canada to American parents) and grew up in Canada - I was born to Canadian parents in America.

At the time I was born, the Canadians required that I a) be registered with Canada, and b) choose one or the other citizenship by age 25. Since my parents failed on a), I got a second chance on b), and Canada has since relaxed their stance so I don’t have to choose after all.

I have no idea what the situation would have been for the opposite situation. Sounds interesting - can you get more info from her?

[Quasimodem]

I was born in Germany to a German mother and American father, and was under the impression that I had dual citizenship until 1970 when it came time for me to be drafted. I chose to go into the USAF instead, but because I wanted to join they wanted me to become a naturalized citizen. I could have been drafted without naturalization.

So… once one is naturalized, can one regain one’s dual citizenship? I plan to retire in Germany, and this would grease the skids, as it were.

Thanks

Quasi

[ClintPhoenix]

DougLips:

I was born in the USA to Canadian parents while they were working in the US on a visa. We then moved back to Canada one year later.

My parents registered my birth and so, instead of a Canadian birth certificate, I have a similar card that is a ‘Registration of Birth Abroad.’ On the reverse side of which it says (from memory, I don’t carry it with me): At the age of 24 the person named must declare that they wish to retain their Canadian citizenship, (and go to a hearing or something), or if their residence is in Canada, they need do nothing to retain their Canadian citizenship.

About a year ago, I decided to pursue obtaining a US passport as proof of my citizenship in the USA. I went to the US consulate and filled out some forms, supplied a copy of my original US birth certificate and paid some money and 2 weeks later received my US passport.

So, there you go, from what I understand the Canadian government is pickier than the US right now about dual citizens, but since I am living in Canada, retaining my Canadian citizenship wasn’t an issue. All the americans cared about was whether I was born there. Since I was, everything after that was a breeze.

Hope this helps,

Clint.