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January 26, 2009

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Can I have dual nationality?

Q: Can I have dual nationality?

A: When a person is naturalized in a foreign state (or otherwise possesses another nationality) and is thereafter found not to have lost United States citizenship, the individual consequently may possess dual nationality.  It is prudent, however, to check with authorities of the other country to see if dual nationality is permissible under local law.  The United States does not favor dual nationality as a matter of policy, but does recognize its existence in individual cases.

In the 1980′s, the Supreme Court ruled that U.S. citizenship is a constitutional right that cannot be taken away from a citizen who does not intend to relinquish it. Therefore, such actions as naturalization in a foreign country, travel on a foreign passport, employment with a foreign government, and voting in a foreign election do not automatically jeopardize American citizenship. However, please note that all U.S. citizens, even dual nationals, must enter and depart the United States on U.S. passports.

For more information, please visit the U. S. Department of State’s guidance on dual nationality at http://travel.state.gov/law/citizenship/citizenship_778.html .

Questions submitted on this page regarding U.S. citizenship eligibility will not be answered. To find out if you are eligible for U.S. citizenship, please follow the instructions on our website at http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/passports/citizenship.html .

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206 Comments
  1. Rich Behrens
    Nov 8 2010

    Hello – I am an American citizen that was born in England in 1957. My father was in the US Air Force – I am not sure if I still have dual citizenship at this point. My son may have an option to play professional sports in England, and they would like him to become a dual citizen. Is this possible at all? Thanks Rich

    • American Citizen Services
      Nov 10 2010

      Rich – As it states above:

      In the 1980′s, the Supreme Court ruled that U.S. citizenship is a constitutional right that cannot be taken away from a citizen who does not intend to relinquish it.

      For UK citizenship eligibility, please contact your nearest UK embassy or consulate: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/find-an-embassy/

  2. Bridgette
    Nov 8 2010

    Hi, I’m 22 & I’m an American citizen, I want to know if it’s possible for me to have dual citizenship. My Father has dual citizenship for the UK, but he was born in Jamaica. My brother, sisters, the entire side of my Father’s side of the family are British citizens. I want to be able to live in the UK for a couple of years. What are my options?

  3. Kat
    Dec 5 2010

    I currently live in the UK, but would like to apply for dual nationality as my mom is a naturalized american citizen and my dad is english, is this possible? And if so who should i contact?

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