Dual Citizenship (U.K./U.S.)

[rnc312]

Sorry, I'm sure this has been discussed elsewhere on the boards, but I couldn't find it ...

My best friend since childhood holds both British and U.S. passports. His mother and father were born in England and emigrated to the States in the late 1960's (my friend was born stateside).

Am I correct in saying that he has dual citizenship? It's confusing to me because it sounds like the United States recognizes dual nationality but doesn't have dual citizenship laws on the books. So, although the U.S. doesn't recognize my friend as a dual citizenship holder, that isn't the same as expressly proscribing him from keeping both citizenships, is it? I mean, wouldn't he have to march over to a U.S. consulate or embassy to renounce his U.S. citizenship in order to lose it?

However, in the eyes of the British government my friend is indeed a dual citizen, correct?

Thank you for your insight!

[JAJ]

Sorry, I'm sure this has been discussed elsewhere on the boards, but I couldn't find it ...

My best friend since childhood holds both British and U.S. passports. His mother and father were born in England and emigrated to the States in the late 1960's (my friend was born stateside).

Am I correct in saying that he has dual citizenship? It's confusing to me because it sounds like the United States recognizes dual nationality but doesn't have dual citizenship laws on the books. So, although the U.S. doesn't recognize my friend as a dual citizenship holder, that isn't the same as expressly proscribing him from keeping both citizenships, is it?

It's not the same. As far as the United States is concerned, they will treat him as if he is solely an American citizen. His British citizenship is ignored (except that it might become an issue for a security clearance).

I mean, wouldn't he have to march over to a U.S. consulate or embassy to renounce his U.S. citizenship in order to lose it?

Either that, or perform a "potentially expatriating act" with the intention of losing U.S. citizenship.

However, in the eyes of the British government my friend is indeed a dual citizen, correct?

As far as the British government is concerned he is a British citizen. Britain does not care about what other citizenships he may hold at the same time.

Your friend does need to be aware that since he is British "by descent" then his own U.S. born children will not automatically be British citizens.

[vin123]

In my view, the rules surrounding issuance, use, and validity of "dual citizenship" is just like a floating spaceship - no gravity outside the scope of the country where you have stepped in.

Forget visa and immigration rules, I'm yet to find a country (non-EU state) that allows you to enter with a passport from an other country where dual citizenship is recognized and an indefinite stay can be made without requiring further paperwork’s.

Or in other words, "local rules" apply when you hold the "local passport".

[vinny]

See also Dual Nationality and Dual Citizenship FAQ: Dual Nationality and United States Law

[rnc312]

Okay, I definitely will ... thanks, Vinny.

[JAJ]

Forget visa and immigration rules, I'm yet to find a country (non-EU state) that allows you to enter with a passport from an other country where dual citizenship is recognized and an indefinite stay can be made without requiring further paperwork’s.

Or in other words, "local rules" apply when you hold the "local passport".

I'm not sure how one could realistically expect to be treated as a citizen by a particular country without holding its passport. (at a port of entry).