How does an dual citizenship work?

Question

How does an dual citizenship work?
In terms of applying in your own country etc..Do we apply at the same time for both?

Answer 1

Current law and policy
The current nationality laws of the United States do not specifically refer to dual nationality. The automatic acquisition or retention of a foreign nationality does not affect U.S. citizenship; however, under limited circumstances, the acquisition of a foreign nationality upon one's own application or the application of a duly authorized agent may cause loss of U.S. citizenship under Section 349 (a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1481 (a)(1)].

In order for loss of nationality to occur under Section 349 (a)(1), it must be established that the naturalization was obtained voluntarily by a person eighteen (18) years of age or older with the intention of relinquishing U.S. citizenship. Such an intention may be shown by the person's statements or conduct, Vance v. Terrazas, 444 U.S. 252 (1980), but as discussed below in most cases it is assumed that Americans who are naturalized in other countries intend to keep their U.S. citizenship. As a result, they have both nationalities.

United States law does not contain any provisions requiring U.S. citizens who are born with dual nationality to choose one nationality or the other when they become adults, Mandoli v. Acheson, 344 U.S. 133 (1952).

While recognizing the existence of dual nationality and permitting Americans to have other nationalities, the U.S. Government does not endorse dual nationality as a matter of policy because of the problems which it may cause. Claims of other countries upon dual-national U.S. citizens often place them in situations where their obligations to one country are in conflict with the laws of the other. In addition, their dual nationality may hamper efforts to provide diplomatic and consular protections to them when they are abroad

Answer 2

Whether you are entitled to dual citizenship depends on which countries' citizenship you can claim. You already have at least one nationality: the one you were born with. That is automatic, based on where you were born (for countries such as the US which practices the principle of jun solis) or the citizenship of one or both of your parents (jus sanguinis). If your parents have two different citizenships, you might be entitled to both of theirs; it all depends on those countries' particular citizenship laws. For example, I know a man who is Italian, Swedish, Russian and Canadian.

Here is a very nice web site that explains how it works, and what the laws are for every country.
http://www.multiplecitizenship.com/

By the way, Happy Bottom is wrong. The US has NO law against dual citizenship, and you can only lose US citizenship by performing one of the listed "expatriating acts" with the intention of giving it up. For example, you can be naturalized in another country, even swearing an oath of allegiance, but still will not lose your US citizenship unless you MEANT to lose it.
http://www.travel.state.gov/law/citizenship/citizenship_778.html

Answer 3

You are already the citizen of one country, whether or not you can claim another country depends on where you were born, and the nationality of your parents. If the second country accepts you as a citizen, you get another passport, and you have dual citizenship.

Answer 4

dual citizen basically means you keep both your birth countries citizenship and the country you decide to reside in. In the u.k when they give you british citizenship you have an option to keep your birth countries citizenship. I think its better to have one because its much less conflict having 2 passports as well with that, movin to a first world country means you have a better passport in terms of getting visas, etc

Answer 5

Madman has the idea except that Germany does enable twin citizenship less than particular circumstances (less than age 23, twin citizenship at start, etc.) Mexico on the different hand does not enable twin citizenship. maximum Mexican human beings which have a US and a Mexican passport are US electorate and Mexican nationals (2 distinct issues).

Answer 6

I have dual citizenship of Australian and the USA. I have Australian citizenship because my mother is Australian and I was born there. I have US citizenship because my father is American and I registerd my birth abroad at the US Consulate-General in Sydney before I turned 21 years of age.

Two passports. It's cool!

Answer 7

It doesn't. If you are an American you cannot hold dual citizenship. If you are an American born in another country you may have dual citizenship there, but it is not recognized here. If you are a naturalized American you would have to renounce alliances to other "flags".

Answer 8

Lol, as I read Happy Bottom's comment, I was conveniently reminded that my taxes were due in Germany and the United States fairly soon. Heh, I hold a duely in Germany and the US, so yes, it's possible.