Dual citizenship is a term that refers to a person who is a citizen of two countries at the same time. This is also called dual nationality. It means that these people share the rights and responsibilities of being a citizen in either of these countries. The rules to dual citizenship change from one country to the next and not every country allows for this status. At The Law Office of Susan Han, our team can provide specific answers to any of your questions related to this form of citizenship.
Is Dual Citizenship Allowed in the U.S.?
Is dual citizenship allowed in America? The answer to this is a bit indirect. The U.S. does not require a person to relinquish any of their citizen rights from any other country to become a citizen of the United States. There are no immigration laws that state explicitly that this is a requirement. Dual citizenship is not mentioned, in fact, in U.S. immigration laws. There have been rulings from the Supreme Court that uphold a person’s rights to dual citizenship.
How Do I Get Dual Citizenship?
While the U.S. does not take a stance on this explicitly, it does matter if the other country, called the country of origin, does allow it. Some countries have very specific rules on this. For example, India and China have explicit rules against it. That means they will not recognize a naturalized American if they are living in those countries. Other countries may automatically rescind citizenship if a person becomes a citizen of another country.
Because countries have different immigration and citizenship laws, it can be difficult to know how to proceed. That’s why you need an attorney with years of experience with a wide range of these issues. For information about any dual citizenship issues, reach out to The Law Office of Susan Han team today for answers.
What Rights Come with Dual Citizenship?
Being a dual citizen means a person has rights and responsibilities in both countries. This can change based on the location, but it generally applies to those who become citizens in the U.S:
Citizens can work anywhere in the U.S. without needing a work visa.
As a citizen, there are no travel restrictions, including domestically and abroad. Traveling does not risk your citizenship.
Citizens have access to public benefits if they meet the proper criteria.
Family members may be able to apply for a green card. This may include children, parents, and siblings of those who are citizens. Consult our team for more information.
Citizens can attend school in the U.S. Also, there is no need for a student visa or to pay any international fee to go to school.
Citizens can vote in federal elections, such as the presidential election, every four years.
Dual citizens also have specific obligations. These responsibilities include paying for taxes for life, even if those funds are earned outside of the United States. Additionally, dual citizens must disclose any law enforcement encounters when questioned by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, as there may be reasons for deportation in some situations. If there is a draft, American citizens who are selected must serve in the military. Also, dual citizens must report for jury duty if they are summoned to do so. These obligations are essential to democracy and the American way of life.
Overwhelmed with Questions About Dual Citizenship?
Citizen services from The Law Office of Susan Han can help you. If you need help with immigration status or any other aspect of dual citizenship, reach out to us. Our team can help you with a range of resources and guidance. We’re here to support your needs throughout the process of gaining citizenship. Some of our services include:
Put Your Trust in Our Team at The Law Office of Susan Han
At The Law Office of Susan Han, we provide comprehensive support to our clients, helping you with every dual citizenship aspect and your immigration status. Learn more about how we can help you today by calling 410.599.3100 or connecting with us online.
Originally posted: https://www.susanhanlaw.com/