US/UK Dual Citizenship Pitfalls?

[kilgunas]

Hi there,

I'm a US citizen who wants to live in the UK. I met with a representative at Citizens Advice Edinburgh and was told that I have a very good chance of obtaining US/UK dual citizenship because my father was born in Scotland (and he was married at the time of my birth). I plan to start the passport application process soon.

I am wondering if there are any pitfalls that I should be aware of as I go forward with obtaining a UK passport. Put another way: Are there any disadvantages to dual citizenship? Is there anything I should consider? Does the US care at all if I am a dual citizen? Any advice would be helpful, or feel free to refer me to a relevant thread.

Thanks,
Ken

[vinny]

You are also already automatically a British citizen under 2(1)(a), with or without a British passport.

A British passport would merely be evidence of status. However, it would be useful in the UK’s hostile environment.

[ouflak1]

I am wondering if there are any pitfalls that I should be aware of as I go forward with obtaining a UK passport. Put another way: Are there any disadvantages to dual citizenship?

Disadvantages? None that I can tell. Obviously if you get into trouble in the UK, you can't expect to be able to run to the U.S. consulate for help. But that kind of trouble is exceedingly rare in the UK anyway.

Is there anything I should consider?

Depends on how you want to exercise your 'rights'. For travel, the most important thing to be aware is that the U.S. does place some restrictions on its citizens' ability to travel to certain countries. Even though the UK will not have the same restrictions, you may be held to the American rules when going back to the U.S. or even perhaps when entering those countries. If you just want to live one place, and then live in the other, just keep in mind that there are residency issues that could affect voting, taxes, and other things. Really hard to say unless you have something specific in mind.

Does the US care at all if I am a dual citizen? Any advice would be helpful, or feel free to refer me to a relevant thread.

As already noted, you are already a dual citizen by birth. A passport merely represents that fact.A passport does not confer it or confirm it. If the U.S. had a problem with that, it's likely that would have come up for you by now (for example, possibly when trying to get a high level security clearance or something - though that's speculative). There are American expat boards on the internet that have faqs and such (can't post links here). You might consider checking some of them out. If you hgave any specific immigration questions, certainly we can probably help.

[kilgunas]

Thanks for feedback!