Since moving to Israel last year I wanted to find out more about Dual
Nationality (American & Israeli). This is what I found out.
Dual Nationality
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.
Source - US State Department
Andee Goldman
The above was posted by a community member. This information may not be current or accurate.
