When someone has dual citizenship it means that they are a lawful citizen of two countries at the same time. If someone has any questions about obtaining dual citizenship and its benefits, it can be helpful to consult with an attorney.
Someone with dual citizenship will enjoy legal rights in both countries for as long as they are citizens of both countries. They are also subject to any legal obligations that each of the countries imposes upon its citizens.
There are some countries that permit dual citizenship and some that do not, which will be discussed below. In addition, certain countries allow dual citizenship with other specific countries but not all countries.
Who Is Eligible for Dual Citizenship?
In the United States, individuals who are born to immigrant parents in the United States are automatically granted citizenship. If someone is born outside of the United States to a parent who is a United States citizen and the other parent is a citizen of another county, they may gain dual citizenship status.
Another way to obtain dual citizenship is to become a naturalized citizen of the United States and to maintain citizenship in the country from which some emigrated. In order to become a naturalized citizen, the person immigrating would have to be a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and meet any federal legal requirements.
Dual citizenship can also be obtained by becoming a naturalized United States citizen and obtaining citizenship in a birth country. To find out more about the different ways to obtain dual citizenship and which may be best, it is important to have a lawyer consultation.
How Do I Apply for Dual Citizenship?
It is important to be aware that, in the U.S., there is not a dual citizenship status. Instead, in order to become a dual citizen of the U.S. or another country, a person will only need to obtain a second citizenship. There are no specific applications or forms for dual citizenship in the U.S.
A person will just need to apply for naturalization. It is important for someone to check with their own country before they apply for U.S. naturalization to make sure they do not lose citizenship in their home country without knowing it.
To find out this type of information, an individual should consult with their consulate or embassy. Once they have established that the original country will accept their U.S. citizenship status, they can move forward with the naturalization application.
Oregon lawyers can help applicants find out more information on the process as well as guide them through all of the necessary steps.
What Are the Requirements for Dual Citizenship?
When someone has U.S. citizenship, they may be able to obtain dual citizenship in several different ways, such as by:
- Being born in the U.S. or one of its territories, even when both parents are immigrants
- Being born in the U.S. when one parent is a U.S. citizen and one is not
- Being born in the U.S. to two parents who are U.S. citizens
- Applying for citizenship in a different country while maintaining U.S. citizen status
- Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization while keeping citizenship in another country
- Applying for a green card and becoming a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. for at least three years while married to a U.S. citizen
How Much Are Dual Citizenship Applications and Legal Fees in Oregon?
In Oregon, as in other states, the fees associated with applications and legal assistance will vary greatly depending on the country of application as well as the complexity of the case. The cost can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
What Countries Can Be Dual Citizenship With the U.S.?
The countries that allow dual citizenship with the United States include:
- Australia
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Israel
- The United Kingdom
Certain countries do not allow dual citizenship with any other country, including:
In addition, some countries only allow dual citizenship with specific other countries, depending on whether it follows the principle of jus sanguinis or the principle of jus soli. Jus sanguinis is Latin for law relating to blood and means a person is a citizen of the nation where they were born.
Jus soli is Latin for law of the soil. This principle states that a person is a citizen of the nation where they were born.
The United States Constitution confers citizenship at birth to almost all individuals who are born in the United States based on the jus soli principle under the 14th Amendment. Certain people who were born in the U.S., including children of foreign diplomats or sovereigns, are ineligible for jus soli citizenship.
What if I’m a Naturalized Citizen?
The laws of the United States do not require that naturalized citizens renounce the citizenship of their country of origin. In addition, U.S. naturalized citizens are allowed to adopt citizenship in another country.
If a naturalized U.S. citizen desires to give up their U.S. citizenship, they have to formally renounce their United States citizenship. Not all countries allow naturalized U.S. citizens to remain a citizen of those countries.
Some countries will terminate citizenship of people who become naturalized U.S. citizens. In other countries, retention of citizenship may be allowed only when the person applies to maintain their citizenship there before getting their U.S. natural citizenship.
What Kind of Confusion Can Multiple Passports Generate?
Traveling with dual citizenship and multiple passports can create obstacles when entering and exiting other countries. A passport indicates an individual’s citizenship and identity.
A traveler may be required to show it when entering and exiting a country. Immigration officials will stamp the passport showing the date of entry or departure.
Some countries will require a United States passport holder to show a travel visa to enter another country where they are not a citizen. If a dual citizen travels to the United States, they may be asked for an I-94, or temporary visa document.
If a United States citizen is asked for this document, they can show their passport, which proves they do not have to supply the I-94 form. It is always best to check with a local legal professional before traveling to or from another country to determine exactly what paperwork will be needed to avoid any delays or issues.
Can I Travel With Multiple Passports as a Dual Citizen?
Someone who travels from the United States to their other country of citizenship should carry their passports from both countries. United States law requires that people leaving the U.S. have U.S. passports.
Is It Possible To Lose U.S. Citizenship Status?
Yes, it may be possible to lose United States citizenship status either by formally renouncing citizenship or other ways. If someone loses their United States citizenship status, they will no longer be dual citizens.
Citizenship can be lost when someone:
- Runs for public office in another country
- Serves in the military in a foreign country
- Commits treason against the U.S., which involves:
- Levying war against the U.S.
- Adhering to its enemies by giving them aid and comfort within the meaning of the United States Constitution
Do I Need an Oregon Citizenship Attorney?
If you have any type of question or concern about getting or maintaining dual citizenship, it is essential to consult with an Oregon citizenship lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to review your situation in detail and give you advice on your legal rights and options, including protecting your citizenship status.
You can use LegalMatch today in as little as 15 minutes to find a citizenship lawyer in your area of Oregon who can help you with all of your citizenship needs, including dual citizenship. By using LegalMatch, you will be connected to prescreened and licensed attorneys who are available to help handle your legal concerns.
