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. Most countries permit a person to renounce or otherwise lose
citizenship.
Information on losing foreign citizenship can be obtained from the foreign country's embassy and
consulates in the United States. Americans can renounce U.S. citizenship in the proper form at U.S.
embassies and consulates abroad.
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