The Town Hall Archives

Amadeo · Senior Member Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 1207

I was not implying that the man I know has done such. He has traveled back and forth many times. In fact, I know of another man with a Lebanese passport and I believe he has other family members with them as well. I cannot say for sure if the family are all American citizens, but I know this man is. Perhaps he is doing what you did with your Brazilian passport since he himself never travels to Lebanon for fear of being placed in the army or something.

Jared · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 9:40 am Post subject:

It appears that some here are confused by the concept of dual citizenship. Allow me to briefly lay out some groundwork on that matter:

You can become a dual citizen if you are an American born on foreign soil, and choose to become a citizen of both lands: the law of jus soli. Likewise, you can obtain dual citizenship if you are an American but one or both of your parents were citizens of another country: the law of jus sanguinis.

You can also obtain dual citizenship simply by choice; it is not necessary to renounce American citizenship in order to become a naturalized citizen of another country. Some foreign nations, however, do have laws against naturalized dual citizenship, so while the U.S. allows, it may not be possible in all cases. Or if you, an American, marry a citizen of a foreign land, you can also apply for dual citizenship.

There used to be laws against some of the above, but they no longer apply. They were struck down in Afroyim v. Rusk in the late '60s.

The only limitations of which I am aware exist for naturalized American citizens. If one is a citizen of a foreign land and wishes to apply for naturalization citizenship in the United States, one has to renounce allegiance to foreign princes, powers and potentates, and this includes giving up any other citizenship. For those who are Americans by birth, though (this includes those born to foreigners within the U.S. at the time of birth and those born to American citizens in foreign lands, by the way), dual citizenship is not only possible -- it's rather easy.

One side note, though. Dual American-Israeli citizenship was mentioned. Someone holding that status who does not want to serve in the Israeli army ought not to travel to Israel at all during the age range for required service. In Israel (as well as in Germany and a few other places), they mean it when they say military service is required. Wink

Susie · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 12:19 pm Post subject:

My older brother, and my younger sister, Carolita, both have dual citizenship - American/Belizean. They were both born in Belize. The only way they would loose their dual citizenship is if Belize and the US would become enemies. Then they'd have to choose one...A tough choice, I'm sure. Smile