Any disadvantages to having Irish and American duel citizenship?

Question

I'm American and I can get Irish Citizenship. Are there any disadvantages to getting Irish Citizenship? Would I have to go to war if there was an Irish draft?

Answer 1

I don't know what the advantages or disadvantages of Irish citizenship might be, but I do know that the following link explains the possible loss of your U.S. citizenship by nature of swearing allegiance to a foreign country. You cannot have dual citizenship and serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, as you must meet strict citizenship or permanent resident requirements to do so. By declaring citizenship to Ireland you could depending on THEIR law, become subject to taxes, military requirements, and other obligations just like any other citizen of that country despite the possibility of retaining U.S. citizenship. See this link:

http://travel.state.gov/law/citizenship/citizenship_778.html

Answer 2

She is probably only a U.S. Citizen. Keep in mind that Citizenship doesn't work the same way for every country. The U.S., "England" (U.K.), Germany, etc. all have different ways of defining what constitutes a Citizen of their countries. Virtually any person born in the United States is a Citizen--as is any person born to an American overseas who, at time of birth, had lived in the United States for 5 years, at least 2 of which were after the parent's 14th birthday. The definition changed in 1986, persons born abroad to American parents before that have to meet different requirements. Unlike in the US, German Citizenship is NOT automatically granted at birth inside the country if neither parent is German. Since it was a U.S. base I'm sure this is particularly true even in countries that ordinarily do confer citizenship automatically by birth. However, it is possible to have dual nationality, whether or not both countries recognize it. Some people could have three nationalities, or more, although it's rare. For example, I was born in the U.S. to one American and one Canadian parent. I have Citizenship in both countries and carry two passports. Both Citizenships are are recognized in both countries, although when in Canada I must conduct business as a Canadian, and in the U.S. as an American.

Answer 3

No real disadvantage, and dont worry , I would hardly think there would ever be a draft here as we are a neutral country. having Irish citizenship would make it easier for you to travel and work in some coutries in EU and also there are certain countries where having a US passport is a disadvantage due to strict entry requirements. Also as an EU citizen you would be entitled to many rights and benefits under EU law.

Answer 4

You are not going to lose your American citizenship by holding dual citizenship to another country. Thousands of people in the US have dual citizenship. In fact the US does not recognize dual citizenship and will not recognize you as an Irish citizen. To the US you would not be Irish at all only American.There are advantages to having two passports. Its easier for you to get work or go to school in the EU as an Irish citizen than as an American. You have more freedom of movement internationally with two passports. Sometimes visas are cheaper for EU citizens than American. If you ever got in trouble you would have two embassies you could go to for help...There really isn't a downside to holding the dual citizenship.* note the only way you can lose your American citizenship is if you

(1) formally renounces U.S. citizenship before a consular officer;

(2) takes a policy level position in a foreign state;

(3) is convicted of treason; or

(4) performs an act made potentially expatriating by statute accompanied by conduct which is so inconsistent with retention of U.S. citizenship that it compels a conclusion that the individual intended to relinquish U.S. citizenship. (Such cases are very rare.)

Cases in categories 2, 3, and 4 will be developed carefully by U.S. consular officers to ascertain the individual's intent toward U.S. citizenship.

Answer 5

I think you should definitely try to get Irish citizenship. The Irish government pays for your college education in Ireland and it's much easier to travel around and work in the EU. Ireland is a neutral country so it won't get involved in any wars.

Answer 6

aronlamerson gave a good answer. I've had dual citizenship for a number of years now, as does the rest of my family. Back when we applied for it, we did all of the research and each of us individually (3 of us have dual citizenships w/ Ireland and 3 w/ Australia ...one parent and one step-parent from each) dicided that the risks were minimal and the rewards far outweighed any concerns.
Go for it and good luck!