Dual Citizenship

In the simplest of terms, Dual Citizenship is when you have citizenship in two countries. For those who are planning to immigrate to the United States and eventually naturalize, this would mean retaining citizenship in their home country after naturalization. However not all countries will recognize Dual Citizenship, and some citizens may have to renounce their citizenship to naturalize in another country including in the United States.

Why does Dual Citizenship matter?

Retaining citizenship in one’s originating country comes with some advantages that those who only have one citizenship cannot access. Dual Citizens have the right to vote and receive social services from both the United States and their country of origin. Additionally, travel between both countries is much easier and will not require any visas. Dual citizens will be able to spend extended periods in both countries without worry and this enables them to find work or attend school in either country of their choice.

However, Dual Citizenship does not come without responsibilities and expectations of the citizens. For example, United States citizens are expected to pay taxes in the U.S., register for the Selective Service (for men ages 18-26), and serve in Jury Duty. This is required of all United States citizens, regardless of whether they retain a second citizenship.

Who can have Dual Citizenship?

Approximately 75% of countries worldwide permit Dual Citizenship, but many have differing rules and expectations for their citizens who plan on naturalizing in the United States. There are also many countries that do not permit Dual Citizenship at all. This can be for several reasons, including placing heavy emphasis on loyalty to country, national security concerns, and cultural or political factors. While some countries, like China, ban Dual Citizenship outright, many countries will accept certain Dual Citizenship under certain circumstances.

If you would like to naturalize in the United States and hope to gain Dual Citizenship, or if you simply have questions about naturalization and filing an N-400 (Application for Naturalization), call U.S. Immigration Lawyer Sean D. Hummel to schedule a consultation.

In the simplest of terms, Dual Citizenship is when you have citizenship in two countries. For those who are planning to immigrate to the United States and eventually naturalize, this would mean retaining citizenship in their home country after naturalization. However not all countries will recognize Dual Citizenship, and some citizens may have to renounce their citizenship to naturalize in another country including in the United States.

Why does Dual Citizenship matter?

Retaining citizenship in one’s originating country comes with some advantages that those who only have one citizenship cannot access. Dual Citizens have the right to vote and receive social services from both the United States and their country of origin. Additionally, travel between both countries is much easier and will not require any visas. Dual citizens will be able to spend extended periods in both countries without worry and this enables them to find work or attend school in either country of their choice.

However, Dual Citizenship does not come without responsibilities and expectations of the citizens. For example, United States citizens are expected to pay taxes in the U.S., register for the Selective Service (for men ages 18-26), and serve in Jury Duty. This is required of all United States citizens, regardless of whether they retain a second citizenship.

Who can have Dual Citizenship?

Approximately 75% of countries worldwide permit Dual Citizenship, but many have differing rules and expectations for their citizens who plan on naturalizing in the United States. There are also many countries that do not permit Dual Citizenship at all. This can be for several reasons, including placing heavy emphasis on loyalty to country, national security concerns, and cultural or political factors. While some countries, like China, ban Dual Citizenship outright, many countries will accept certain Dual Citizenship under certain circumstances.

If you would like to naturalize in the United States and hope to gain Dual Citizenship, or if you simply have questions about naturalization and filing an N-400 (Application for Naturalization), call U.S. Immigration Lawyer Sean D. Hummel to schedule a consultation.