Friday, November 6, 2009

Does The United States Allow Dual Citizenship

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to hold citizenship in the U.S. and another country.


Sometimes, by way of birth, marriage or for another reason, a person may wish to be a citizen of both the United States, and another country. Whether or not the U.S. allows this depends on how the person intends to become a citizen of both countries.


Family


Children born in the U.S. to citizens of another country are automatically U.S. citizens.


If a U.S. citizen acquires nationality in another country because of marriage or birth, the United States allows citizenship in both countries. If a child of a citizen of another country is born in the U.S., the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution grants them automatic citizenship, without giving up the other.


Intent


A U.S. citizen who serves in a foreign military as an officer may lose their U.S. citizenship.


The United States government may revoke citizenship to any person who purposely pledges allegiance to another country with the intention to give up U.S. citizenship. A person may do this through words, i.e. taking an oath of citizenship, or actions. Joining a foreign country's military service which is fighting against the U.S. can result in losing your U.S. citizenship.


Acceptance


The United States does not encourage dual citizenship, because each countries laws may conflict.


Being a dual citizen or dual national is accepted by the U.S. government, but is not encouraged, because of problems it may cause. Dual citizens are expected to obey the laws of both countries they are citizens of and these laws may conflict with each other.







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