The concept of dual nationality means
that a person is a citizen of two countries at the same time. Each
country has its own citizenship laws based on its own policy.
Persons may have dual nationality by automatic operation of
different laws rather than by choice. For example, a child born in a
foreign country to U.S. citizen parents may be both a U.S. citizen
and a citizen of the country of birth.
A
U.S. citizen may acquire foreign citizenship by marriage, or a
person naturalized as a U.S. citizen may not lose the citizenship of
the country of birth. U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or
require a person to choose one citizenship or another. Also, a
person who is automatically granted another citizenship does not
risk losing U.S. citizenship. However, a person who acquires a
foreign citizenship by applying for it may lose U.S. citizenship. In
order to lose U.S. citizenship, the law requires that the person
must apply for the foreign citizenship voluntarily, by free choice,
and with the intention to give up U.S. citizenship.
Intent
can be shown by the person's statements or conduct. The U.S.
Government recognizes that dual nationality exists but does not
encourage it as a matter of policy because of the problems it may
cause. Claims of other countries on dual national U.S. citizens may
conflict with U.S. law, and dual nationality may limit U.S.
Government efforts to assist citizens abroad. The country where a
dual national is located generally has a stronger claim to that
person's allegiance.
However,
dual nationals owe allegiance to both the United States and the
foreign country. They are required to obey the laws of both
countries. Either country has the right to enforce its laws,
particularly if the person later travels there. Most U.S. citizens,
including dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and
leave the United States. Dual nationals may also be required by the
foreign country to use its passport to enter and leave that country.
Use of the foreign passport does not endanger U.S. citizenship. Most
countries permit a person to renounce or otherwise lose citizenship.
Information
on losing foreign citizenship can be obtained from the foreign
country's embassy and consulates in the United States. Americans can
renounce U.S. citizenship in the proper form at U.S. embassies and
consulates abroad.
More information
you can find:
Judicial
Assistance
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Polonia's Bulletin Board
...sources :
U.S.
Department of State
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