Dual Nationality (2024)

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Section 101(a)(22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) states that “the term ‘national of the United States’ means (A) a citizen of the United States, or (B) a person who, though not a citizen of the United States, owes permanent allegiance to the United States.” Therefore, U.S. citizens are also U.S. nationals. Non-citizen nationality status refers only individuals who were born either in American Samoa or on Swains Island to parents who are not citizens of the United States.The concept of dual nationality means that a person is a national of two countries at the same time. Each country has its own nationality 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. national parents may be both a U.S. national and a national of the country of birth. Or, an individual having one nationality at birth may naturalize at a later date in another country and become a dual national.

U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one nationality or another. A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to his or her U.S. citizenship. However, persons who acquire a foreign nationality after age 18 by applying for it may relinquish their U.S. nationality if they wish to do so. In order to relinquish U.S. nationality by virtue of naturalization as a citizen of a foreign state, the law requires that the person must apply for the foreign nationality voluntarily and with the intention to relinquish U.S. nationality. Intent may be shown by the person’s statements and conduct.

Dual nationals owe allegiance to both the United States and the foreign country. They are required to obey the laws of both countries, and either country has the right to enforce its laws. It is important to note the problems attendant to dual nationality. Claims of other countries upon U.S. dual-nationals often place them in situations where their obligations to one country are in conflict with the laws of the other. In addition, their dual nationality may hamper efforts of the U.S. Government to provide consular protection to them when they are abroad, especially when they are in the country of their second nationality.

U.S. nationals, 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 to travel to or from a country other than the United States is not inconsistent with U.S. law.

You can find additional information on dual nationality and the potential challenges for international travelers here.

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Dual Nationality (2024)

FAQs

Dual Nationality? ›

The concept of dual nationality means that a person is a national of two countries at the same time. Each country has its own nationality laws based on its own policy. Persons may have dual nationality by automatic operation of different laws rather than by choice.

Can an American citizen have dual nationality? ›

Does the United States allow dual citizenship? Yes, the U.S. allows dual citizenship by default. The government does not require naturalized U.S. citizens to give up their citizenship in their country of origin.

What is an example of dual nationality? ›

An individual can be a non-resident but still gain citizenship if their parents were born in that country. You might claim dual citizenship if you were born in certain countries. For instance, if you were born in the United States to parents from another country, you may be eligible for dual citizenship.

Can dual citizens use both passports? ›

As a dual citizen, you are allowed to carry passports from both countries. For example, if you are a U.S. citizen and also a citizen of New Zealand, you can travel more easily between these two countries.

What is a dual national US citizen? ›

Having dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality, means being a citizen of the United States and another country at the same time.

When did US allow dual citizenship? ›

Dual nationality

The Supreme Court ruled in Kawakita v. United States, 343 U.S. 717 (1952) that dual nationality is a long-recognized status in the law and that "a person may have and exercise rights of nationality in two countries and be subject to the responsibilities of both.

What are the disadvantages of dual citizenship? ›

The major drawbacks of dual nationality are the potential of double taxation and getting bound by the laws of the two countries. Furthermore, becoming a dual US citizen can be a long and expensive process, especially if you don't have an immigration lawyer to guide you.

What are the requirements for dual nationality? ›

Dual citizenship if you are a citizen of another country

If you qualify for dual citizenship, you must first immigrate to the U.S. Then you must become a permanent U.S. resident before being eligible for U.S. citizenship. Learn more about immigrating to the U.S. And find out how to become a permanent resident.

What is my nationality if I was born in USA? ›

General Requirements for Acquisition of Citizenship at Birth. A person born in the United States who is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States is a U.S. citizen at birth, to include a child born to a member of an Indian, Eskimo, Aleutian, or other aboriginal tribe.

What makes you dual nationality? ›

Dual nationality (sometimes called dual citizenship) is when someone holds British nationality and the nationality of another country at the same time.

Can you collect Social Security with dual citizenship? ›

The United States generally considers a person with dual U.S. and foreign citizenship a U.S. citizen for Social Security purposes. This does not apply if you are a U.S. citizen and a citizen of a country the United States has an international social security agreement with. This excludes Canada and Italy.

What is the strongest passport in the world? ›

Japan (193 countries) If you're looking for a country with great travel options, then you can't go wrong with Japan. The Japanese passport is ranked as the most powerful in the world, allow visa-free access to 193 countries.

Do dual citizens pay taxes in both countries? ›

Being a dual citizen means that a person is considered a citizen/national of two countries at the same time, and is subject to both country's tax laws. Something to remember is that each country has its own laws dictating who qualifies as a citizen.

How do I know if I am a dual national? ›

You could be a dual national with another country if you: have a parent who is a national of that country (citizen by descent) marry a national of that country. apply for and receive citizenship of another country.

Where is dual citizenship not allowed? ›

List of countries that do not allow dual citizenship
AfghanistanIranMaldives
AndorraJapanMarshall Islands
AustriaKazakhstanMauritania
AzerbaijanKiribatiMicronesia
BahrainNorth KoreaMonaco
10 more rows

How many passports can you have as a U.S. citizen? ›

There are multiple ways Americans can qualify for a second citizenship, including via marriage, birth, or citizenship by investment, a concept known as Golden Visa. In addition to having two passports from different countries, Americans can also simultaneously hold two U.S. passports.

What is the difference between citizenship and nationality? ›

While 'nationality” is the preferred legal term, 'citizenship' is used more broadly to describe the rights, duties, and practices linked to this formal status. In certain contexts, the term 'nationality' also denotes belonging to a national or ethnic community.

Are U.S. citizens always U.S. nationals? ›

Posted by Frank Gogol in Immigrants | Updated on May 27, 2023. At a Glance: U.S. citizens are both a citizen and a national. There are individuals that are born in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Swains Island, and American Samoa who are U.S nationals.

Are Puerto Ricans U.S. citizens? ›

1187, 1139). The Nationality Act of 1952 reenacted the provisions of the Nationality Act of 1940. It also declared individuals born in Puerto Rico on or after January 13, 1941, to be U.S. citizens at birth (Nationality Act of 1952, 8 U.S.C. § 1402).

Why does the U.S. not recognize dual citizenship? ›

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.

Can a U.S. citizen leave the U.S. on a foreign passport? ›

The American Citizen Services Section wants to remind all U.S. citizens not to travel outside the United States without a valid U.S. passport. While dual citizens may be able to travel abroad with alternative documentation, all U.S. citizens are required to present a U.S. passport to re-enter the United States.

Does dual citizenship expire? ›

Therefore, if there are any modifications in the laws, the citizens get enough time to take the required action to remain the citizens of the country. Hence, dual citizenship never expires.

How much is dual citizenship? ›

You will need to pay a total of $725 for these two services – $640 for the N-400 form and $85 for the biometric services fee. The whole payment can be made at once through different means, which include money order, cashier's check, or personal check.

What is my nationality if I am white? ›

White – A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.

How do I claim my nationality? ›

What to do:
  1. Complete the questionnaire on Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony.
  2. Report for your naturalization ceremony and check in with USCIS. ...
  3. Turn in your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
  4. Take the Oath of Allegiance to become a U.S. citizen.
Aug 11, 2022

What is my nationality if I was born in a different country? ›

It is estimated that between 4 million and 10 million U.S. citizens live abroad. And, some of these Americans have children in their current home country. Typically, a child born in a foreign country with one U.S. citizen parent is entitled to American citizenship.

Can you be half nationality? ›

Each country has its own nationality 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. national parents may be both a U.S. national and a national of the country of birth.

What is the master nationality rule? ›

The Master Nationality Rule is a consequence of Article 4 of the Convention on Certain Questions Relating to the Conflict of Nationality Laws of 1930. This provides that "a State may not afford diplomatic protection to one of its nationals against a state whose nationality such person also possesses".

What is the difference between dual citizenship and second citizenship? ›

The main difference between dual and second citizenship is the presence or absence of a special agreement between countries. It also defines the rights and obligations of the holder of two passports.

How many passports can a U.S. citizen have? ›

The answer is you can have as many as you want, depending on your original citizenship. While some countries allow dual citizenship or many citizenships at the same time, others do not and require you to renounce your previous citizenship.

How do you get dual nationality? ›

How Do I Acquire Dual Citizenship? There are several ways of acquiring a second citizenship and the corresponding passport. These are birth, naturalization, marriage and investment.

Can you be a dual Canadian and U.S. citizen? ›

As a U.S./Canada dual citizen, taxes can get tricky — dual citizens have few more tax and financial requirements than the typical resident. These requirements can affect not only taxes on your wages, but also taxes on your Canadian investments, pensions, and properties.

Does the US allow 3 citizenships? ›

The US, Mexico, and Honduras all allow triple citizenship through birthright, so this person would technically have a claim to citizenship by birthright in all three countries. Another way someone could obtain citizenship in two or more countries is through naturalization.

Which passport should dual citizens use? ›

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.

Which country doesn t allow dual citizenship? ›

Today, most advanced economies allow dual citizenship; notable exceptions which restrict or forbid it are Austria, Japan, the Netherlands, and Singapore.

Do dual citizens have to pay taxes in both countries? ›

Being a dual citizen means that a person is considered a citizen/national of two countries at the same time, and is subject to both country's tax laws. Something to remember is that each country has its own laws dictating who qualifies as a citizen.

How much does dual citizenship cost? ›

You will need to pay a total of $725 for these two services – $640 for the N-400 form and $85 for the biometric services fee. The whole payment can be made at once through different means, which include money order, cashier's check, or personal check.

What is difference between citizenship and nationality? ›

A person can gain new citizenship (a person's formal membership of a state) and hold multiple passports reflecting different nationalities. Nationality reflects an individual's choice to become a citizen, as well as their ability and eligibility to do so.

What is the difference between a U.S. citizen and a U.S. national? ›

As defined by the INA, all U.S. citizens are U.S. nationals but only a relatively small number of persons acquire U.S. nationality without becoming U.S. citizens.

How long can a U.S. citizen stay out of the country? ›

While the normal limit is a year, you can stay longer and still preserve your US citizen if you are a military service member, Government employee, or meet any other criteria discussed above i.e., work for a US multinational or you proactively preserve residence. Please correct the marked field(s) below.

How can dual citizenship avoid double taxation? ›

How Can Dual Citizens Avoid Double Taxation?
  1. You cannot claim the Foreign Tax Credit and the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion in the same year. You must choose one or the other.
  2. If you are self-employed, you will use the Foreign Housing Deduction rather than the Foreign Housing Exclusion.
  3. Don't wait to use this program!

Where can U.S. citizens travel without a passport? ›

U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel between the U.S. and these territories:
  • Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
  • Puerto Rico.
  • U.S. Virgin Islands.

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