Dual Citizenship: Holding Two Nationalities at Once
Dual citizenship, which the U.S. State Department calls dual nationality, means being a national of two countries at the same time. Each country makes its own nationality laws, and a person can end up with two nationalities through the operation of those laws rather than by choice.
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How it happens
According to the State Department, dual nationality can arise, for example, when a child is born abroad to U.S. national parents, so the child may be a citizen of both the birth country and the United States. The State Department adds that U.S. law does not stop a citizen from acquiring another country's citizenship.
What U.S. law says
- U.S. law does not require a citizen to choose between U.S. citizenship and another nationality.
- U.S. law does not require permission from U.S. courts or agencies to acquire a foreign citizenship.
- Where a foreign country lets parents apply for citizenship for minor children, U.S. law does not stop a citizen parent from doing so.
Practical points
Dual nationals owe allegiance to both countries and must obey the laws of both. The State Department notes that either country may enforce its laws, and that U.S. consular protection can be limited in the country of the other nationality. U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States.
Proving a claim to a second citizenship often depends on civil records such as birth and marriage certificates. The receiving country decides which records it accepts.
Frequently asked questions
Can a U.S. citizen also be a citizen of another country?
Yes. The State Department says U.S. law does not require a citizen to choose between U.S. citizenship and another nationality.
Do I need U.S. approval to become a citizen elsewhere?
No. The State Department says U.S. law does not require permission from U.S. courts or agencies to acquire a foreign citizenship.
Which passport do I use to enter the United States?
A U.S. citizen, including a dual national, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States.
Sources
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Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
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