DUAL
NATIONALITY FOR U.S. CITIZENS
reprinted courtesy of U.S. State Dept. 4/1/05
Dual Nationality
.
The concept of dual nationality means that a person is a
citizen of two countries at the same time.
Each country has its own citizenship laws based on its own policy. Persons may have dual nationality by
automatic operation of different laws rather than by choice. For example, a
child born in a foreign country to U.S.
citizen parents may be both a U.S.
citizen and a citizen of the country of birth.
.
A U.S.
citizen may acquire foreign citizenship by marriage, or a person naturalized as
a U.S. citizen
may not lose the citizenship of the country of birth.U.S. law
does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one citizenship
or another. Also, a person who is automatically granted another citizenship
does not risk losing U.S.
citizenship. However, a person who acquires a foreign citizenship by applying
for it may lose U.S.
citizenship. In order to lose U.S.
citizenship, the law requires that the person must apply for the foreign
citizenship voluntarily, by free choice, and with the intention to give up U.S.
citizenship.
.
Intent can be shown by the person's statements or
conduct. The U.S. Government
recognizes that dual nationality exists but does not encourage it as a matter
of policy because of the problems it may cause. Claims of other countries on
dual national U.S.
citizens may conflict with U.S.
law, and dual nationality may limit U.S. Government efforts to assist citizens
abroad. The country where a dual national is located generally has a stronger
claim to that person's allegiance.
.
However, dual nationals owe allegiance to both the United
States and the foreign country. They are
required to obey the laws of both countries. Either country has the right to
enforce its laws, particularly if the person later travels there. Most U.S.
citizens, including dual nationals, must use a U.S.
passport to enter and leave the United States.
Dual nationals may also be required by the foreign country to use its passport
to enter and leave that country. Use of the foreign passport does not endanger U.S.
citizenship.
.
This article may be
found on the U.S. State Dept. web site http://state.gov at the following link: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1753.html
.