What Is Dual Citizenship?
Dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality, is when a person is legally recognized as a citizen of two different countries simultaneously. In the case of the United States, this means that you can be both a U.S. citizen and a citizen of another country at the same time. However, not all countries permit dual citizenship, and the rules surrounding it can differ greatly from one country to another.
Does the United States Allow Dual Citizenship?
Yes, the United States does allow dual citizenship. If you are naturalized as a U.S. citizen, you are not required to give up your citizenship from your country of origin. While the U.S. Oath of Allegiance includes a pledge to renounce “allegiance and fidelity” to other countries, U.S. immigration law does not specifically address the issue of dual citizenship. In fact, the U.S. Supreme Court has clarified that a person can hold citizenship in two countries and have rights in both, but also responsibilities to both nations.
That being said, just because the U.S. permits dual citizenship doesn’t mean your home country does. Some countries, such as China and India, may not recognize your U.S. citizenship, and you might lose your citizenship in those countries once you become an American citizen. It’s crucial to understand the dual citizenship rules of your home country before pursuing U.S. citizenship.
What Are the Benefits of Dual Citizenship?
Being a U.S. citizen while retaining your original citizenship offers numerous advantages. Here’s a look at some of the key benefits:
- Work in the U.S.
As a dual citizen, you can work anywhere in the U.S. without needing a work visa. However, be mindful that some federal jobs, which require security clearances, might not be open to dual citizens, especially if your second country has conflicting interests with the U.S. - Travel Without Restrictions
You can travel freely, coming and going from the U.S. without worrying about losing your citizenship. Unlike green card holders (permanent residents), dual citizens don’t need a re-entry permit to return to the U.S. after being abroad for extended periods. - Sponsor Family Members
Dual citizens can help their immediate family members — such as parents, adult children, and siblings — apply for green cards to live and work in the United States. - Vote in U.S. Elections
Dual citizens can participate in federal elections, as only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in these elections. - Education Benefits
Dual citizens can attend U.S. schools without needing a student visa and can avoid paying higher tuition fees for international students. - Access Public Benefits
Dual citizens can apply for public benefits available to U.S. citizens, including financial aid and tuition assistance.
What Are the Obligations of Dual Citizens?
While there are many benefits, there are also responsibilities that come with dual citizenship:
- Pay U.S. Taxes for Life
As a U.S. citizen, you are required to file U.S. taxes on your worldwide income, even if you live abroad. If your second country doesn’t have a tax treaty with the U.S., you could face double taxation — paying taxes in both countries on the same income. - Disclose Legal Issues
If you’ve ever had legal trouble or been involved with law enforcement, it’s important to disclose this when applying for U.S. citizenship. Certain criminal issues, such as drug offenses or immigration fraud, could impact your citizenship process or even lead to deportation. - Military Service
U.S. citizens, especially male citizens aged 18–26, are required to register for the Selective Service System, which is the government’s draft system. If the U.S. goes to war, you could be required to serve in the military. - Jury Duty
All U.S. citizens are eligible to be called for jury duty. While not everyone is selected, once summoned, you must attend court unless you’re excused.
How to Obtain Dual Citizenship
If you are interested in becoming a dual citizen of the United States, there is no separate application for dual citizenship. Instead, you would apply for U.S. citizenship, which could make you a dual citizen depending on your country of origin’s laws.
Before you begin the process, it’s essential to check with the embassy or consulate of your home country to ensure that dual citizenship is allowed and that you won’t lose your nationality in that country by becoming a U.S. citizen.
Steps to Apply for Dual Citizenship:
- Check Your Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship
Before applying, you must meet the eligibility requirements for U.S. citizenship. This generally means having held a green card for 3-5 years, meeting certain residency requirements, and fulfilling other criteria. - File Form N-400
Once you’re eligible, you can begin the naturalization process by submitting Form N-400, the “Application for Naturalization,” to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). - Complete the Process
After submitting your application, you will need to go through the process of interviews, background checks, and a citizenship test. If approved, you will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States and become a U.S. citizen, possibly holding dual citizenship if your home country allows it.
When Should I Apply for Dual Citizenship?
You can apply for U.S. citizenship — and thereby dual citizenship — once you meet the eligibility criteria, which typically requires having a green card for 3–5 years.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The naturalization process can take up to 1.6 years, depending on the USCIS field office handling your case. The timeline includes the submission of your citizenship application, interview, and naturalization ceremony.
Countries That Allow Dual Citizenship (or Don’t)
While many countries accept dual citizenship, others have strict rules. Here’s a summary of the rules for some of the most common countries:
| Country | Recognizes Dual U.S. Citizenship? | Notes |
| Mexico | Yes | Mexican citizens who become U.S. citizens can retain their Mexican nationality. However, they may lose the right to vote and hold public office in Mexico. |
| China | No | Chinese citizens who become U.S. citizens automatically lose their Chinese citizenship. |
| Philippines | Yes | Filipinos who naturalize in the U.S. lose their Philippine citizenship but can apply to reclaim it later. |
| India | No | Indian citizens automatically lose their Indian citizenship when they become U.S. citizens but can apply for Overseas Citizen of India status. |
| Canada | Yes | Canadians who become U.S. citizens can retain their Canadian citizenship. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply for dual citizenship in the U.S.?
Any individual who meets the naturalization requirements can apply for U.S. citizenship. However, you must check with your home country to determine its rules on dual citizenship. - If I have dual citizenship, can I vote in both countries?
In the U.S., you can vote in federal elections as long as you meet the necessary requirements. Whether you can vote in your other country depends on that nation’s rules. - Which passport should I use when traveling with dual citizenship?
When entering or leaving the U.S., you must use your U.S. passport. For international travel, you can choose whichever passport you prefer. - Can you have triple citizenship?
Yes, it is possible to hold citizenship in three countries if the countries involved allow it. Check with each country’s laws to confirm. - Does the U.S. allow triple citizenship?
The U.S. does allow triple citizenship, and U.S. law doesn’t require you to give up your original or other countries’ citizenships when becoming a U.S. citizen.
In summary, dual citizenship offers many benefits, such as the ability to live, work, and travel freely in two countries. However, it comes with specific responsibilities, including tax obligations and potential legal complexities. Before starting the process of acquiring dual citizenship, it’s important to fully understand the laws of both countries involved.
If you need more help with the dual citizenship process, Law and Visas can guide you through the necessary steps to make sure you don’t miss any important details.
