Dual Citizenship

An individual who holds dual citizenship is a citizen of two countries and thus has the legal rights and obligations in both countries.

One may obtain dual citizenship in the U.S. in several ways:

1. By being born in the U.S. to parents who hold citizenship in another country (depending on the laws of other country);
2. By have one parent who is a U.S. citizen;
3. By being naturalized in the U.S. and still holding citizenship in another country.

If you are a dual citizen, you most likely have more than one passport. It is important to keep your documents up to date if you which to retain your dual citizenship. There may be additional obligations to maintaining your dual citizenship, such as paying taxes or military service. Keeping up with these obligations is important so that one does not incur any legal penalties in either country.

The U.S. does not officially acknowledge dual citizenship, but it also doesn’t oppose it. An individual will not lose his U.S. citizenship by gaining citizenship in another country. Therefore, a U.S. citizen may travel with a foreign passport, vote in another country or serve in a public office.

However, one can lose their citizenship if they show an intent to give up their citizenship by such actions as:

1. Severing in a military that is hostile to the U.S.;
2. Officially renouncing one’s citizenship to a U.S. official; or
3. Committing treason or conspiring against the U.S.

If you need more information on this or other immigration matters please contact the Carabin Shaw 800-862-1260 - toll free