Definitions, Examples and Advantages and Disadvantages of Dual Citizenship

 

Have you ever wanted to be in two places at once? Well, maybe that's impossible, but what if I told you that you can be a citizen of two countries at the same time? Two countries mean that a person is a citizen of two countries at the same time.

Americans can hold dual citizenship, which means they have rights in the United States and another country. But people don't always accept this status.

For years, many people have fought the two countries, both culturally and legally.

Therefore, US citizens are also US citizens. Non-citizen status refers only to those born in American Samoa or Swains Island to parents who are not citizens of the United States.

The idea of ​​being two nations means that a person is a nation of two nations at the same time. Each country has its own national laws based on its own policies. People can have two countries by applying different laws automatically rather than by choice.

For example, a child born abroad to US citizen parents can be both a US citizen and a citizen of the country of birth. Or, a person who has one country at birth can later become a foreigner and become a dual citizen.

Traditionally, people are against dual citizenship because they believe that dual citizenship will weaken the nation, because dual citizenship will compete or divide the United States and other countries.

A dual citizen is a citizen of two countries at the same time, which has both advantages and disadvantages as it is a difficult legal position. One benefit of dual citizenship that is often cited is the ability to hold two passports; However, a drawback may be the possibility of double taxation.

Some of the reasons why dual citizenship is more acceptable are:

• Reduction in military registration when international conflicts are few

• Focus on human rights and gender equality so that women can pass on their country to their children

• International efforts to reduce homelessness

• Increase in immigration and marriage

 

What is Dual Citizenship?

If a person has two countries, he is legally recognized as a citizen of both countries. They share the same rights and responsibilities as dual citizens.

Sometimes two countries happen at once. For example, in the United States, if parents from another country give birth to a child, he will be a citizen of the United States in the country of his parents.

Dual citizenship is also acquired through legal systems, such as marriage. If a person marries a citizen of another country, they can get the right to be a citizen of their wife's country, and vice versa.

Not all countries allow their citizens to have dual citizenship. It is important to check if the country of your current citizenship allows this, before you try to apply for new citizenship.

In countries that do not accept dual citizenship, citizens must renounce their citizenship in order to become a citizen of another country. Not all countries allow dual citizenship, but the United States does.

Dual citizenship occurs immediately in some cases, such as when a child is born in the United States to parents who live in another country. Unless the parents are foreign diplomats, the child usually becomes a US citizen, in addition to the citizenship he inherited from his parents.

Similarly, if the child of a US citizen is born overseas, they can automatically become a citizen of the US in their country (although this is a situation as it depends on the law of the specific country). Dual citizenship can be obtained through special legal procedures, such as when a foreign national is a US citizen.

In this case, the person will be a citizen of both countries, unless their country does not accept dual citizenship. To qualify as a US citizen, a foreign national must have been a permanent resident for several years, pass the US citizenship test, and meet certain other qualifications.

 

Advantages of Dual Citizenship

1. Political Rights

Dual citizens can participate fully in the politics of any country they are citizens of. This includes the right to vote and stand for election, and the right to donate to political parties.

2. Work and Travel

Unlike foreigners, dual citizens do not need a visa or permission to travel to their home country, and they can stay as long as they like. They also have the right to seek employment in both countries, while foreigners must go through a lengthy process to obtain a work permit. They are also exempt from any restrictions imposed on foreign investors.

3. Social Work

Dual citizenship can benefit from the benefits and privileges of any country they are citizens of. For example, they may travel to receive treatment or medical procedures that are not available in their foreign country of citizenship. They can also get education at the same cost as home students.

4. Two Passports

As a dual citizen, you are allowed to have passports from both countries. For example, if you are a US citizen and also a New Zealand citizen, you will be able to travel easily between these two countries. Having a citizen's passport eliminates the need for a long-term visa and any questions about your travel purpose during the customs process.

It also allows dual passport holders to enter the United States and New Zealand; this can be especially useful if you have family to visit in both countries, or if you are a student or an entrepreneur studying or doing business in both countries.

5. Property Ownership

Another benefit of dual citizenship is the right to own property in either country. Some countries restrict land ownership to citizens only. As a legal citizen of two countries, you will be able to buy property in two or both countries. If you travel between these two cities frequently, this can be especially useful because owning a home can provide a cheaper alternative to living in two places.

 6. Cultural Education

As a dual citizen, you get the benefit of being involved in the culture of both countries. Some government officials are also interested in dual cities and see it as a way to promote the city's image as a top destination for tourists. Being a dual citizen allows people to learn more about the history of both countries, learn two (or more) languages ​​and experience a different lifestyle.

 

Disadvantages of Dual Citizenship 

1. Dual Obligations

As a dual citizen, you will be bound by the laws of both countries. For example, if you are a United States citizen in a country where military service is necessary, you may lose your United States citizenship in certain circumstances, such as if you are a police officer in a foreign military and -war against the United States. United.

In general, US policy recognizes that dual citizens can legally perform their military service overseas, and many can do so without compromising their status as US citizens, but it is important to carefully consider the situation whatever.

2. Double Taxes

For those who are dual citizens of the United States and another country, the United States imposes taxes on its citizens and their income anywhere in the world. If you live in your country of dual residence outside of the United States, you may owe taxes to both the U.S. government and the country where the income was earned.

However, tax treaties between the United States and other countries work to effectively reduce or eliminate an individual's tax liability to avoid double taxation. For example, a treaty between the United States and New Zealand repealed each country's tax laws to avoid double taxation.

However, dual citizens may be required to file a US tax return even if they live and earn income in New Zealand. Because tax laws are complex and can change from year to year, it is important for people facing this situation to speak with a qualified tax prepare.

 3. Restrictions on Certain Types of Work

Depending on your professional background, both countries can be bad. If you are applying for a position with the US government or if your job requires access to information shared by the US government, having citizenship may prevent you from obtaining the security clearances you need for this type of work. Those born with dual citizenship may have fewer problems than those who wish to do so.

4. Complex Process

Sometimes, dual citizenship occurs automatically (for example, when a child is born in the United States to foreign parents). Other times, however, the process can take years and can be expensive and complicated. This may prevent some people from seeking dual citizenship.

 

Acquiring Dual Nationality or Citizenship

So how does one become a dual citizen? A person can obtain dual citizenship in a number of ways, including:

1. Born in the United States to Immigrant or Foreign Parents (Unless the Parents are Foreign Nationals)

Remember jus soli, the principle that a person is a citizen if he was born within the country's borders? Even if someone is born to non-citizen parents, they can inherit US citizenship if they were born in a state or territory of the United States. Children of foreign diplomats are exempt from this rule, and cannot obtain US citizenship, even if they were born in the United States.

2. Born outside the United States to one Parent who is a US Citizen and Another Parent who is a Citizen of Another Country

Another principle of citizenship, jus sanguinis, or the law of blood, states that citizenship is inherited from one's parents. So even if a child is born in a foreign country, if he has parents who are US citizens, he can also become a US citizen.

3. Be a U.S. citizen But Retain Citizenship in Another Country

When a person becomes a natural-born citizen, they must take an oath of allegiance to the United States. Despite their pledge to "renounce and renounce support and loyalty" to another country, US immigration law does not require a person to choose one citizen over another. It is up to foreign governments to decide whether becoming a United States citizen means giving up their original citizenship. Some countries, such as Canada, do not accept the oath as a waiver. Other countries, such as Germany, do this and if a German citizen applies for citizenship in the United States and is granted it, their German citizenship is lost.

4. Born in Another country to American Parents

For example, a child born abroad to US parents can be both a US citizen and a citizen of their country of birth. However, it all depends on whether the other country allows dual citizenship. Some countries require their citizens to choose their country to show their loyalty, such as the Republic of Korea, and others, such as Cuba, Japan, and Zimbabwe, prohibit it altogether.

 

Procedures for Obtaining Dual Citizenship in the United States

If you were not born in the United States and want to become a US citizen, there are several requirements for obtaining dual citizenship. In addition, the requirements for obtaining citizenship in the United States may differ for individuals based on their status in other countries (or countries) of residence.

In general, to apply for US citizenship, you must live in the United States as a permanent resident - and have a permanent resident card (green card) - continuously until five years (or three years if you are filing as a spouse. US citizen).

Other qualifications include being at least 18 years old at the time of application and being able to read, write and speak basic English. You must pay a fee to apply for permanent residence and an additional fee to apply for citizenship. The amount of the fee depends on the application you use and your booking type. These fees are handled by the Department of Homeland Security.

For many people, the complex process of obtaining citizenship requires the help of an immigration attorney. Immigration attorneys can help individuals obtain citizenship, although they also charge a fee for their services.

To apply for permanent residence, many people file Form 1-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Change of Status. To apply for naturalization, most people write the N-400, Application for Naturalization.

 

How do you Become a Canadian Citizen?

Canada is an attractive country for potential immigrants, due to its attractive social programs and high economy. To qualify for Canadian citizenship, you must be a permanent resident of Canada and have lived there for three of the last five years, and file your tax return if required. You must take a test to demonstrate your understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and demonstrate your English or French language skills.

 

How do you Become a Dual Citizen?

The closest way to becoming a dual citizen is by birth, either by having dual-citizen parents or by being born in a country that has the right to be born. Alternatively, you can get dual citizenship by marrying someone who is a citizen of a different country than your own or by pretending to be a citizen of another country. Some countries also grant citizenship based on race. Note that not all countries recognize dual citizenship and, in some case, you may be required to deny your first country of origin in order to respond.

 

Which Passport Should Dual Citizens Use?

Each country has its own rules and restrictions on who can enter its borders, and both citizens should consider the benefits of both passports when traveling through customs. For example, if some places offer visa-free travel to Country A and valid visa requirements for Country B, it makes sense for a dual national to use a passport from Country A rather than Country B. Alternatively, some countries may require you to use a specific passport, if you have one. The United States requires dual citizenship to enter their US passport.

In conclusion, Dual citizenship is when a person is a citizen of two countries at the same time, with all the rights and privileges that come with it. Dual citizens can travel freely in both countries, as well as work, do business, own land, and do other activities that may be reserved for foreigners; However, there are also disadvantages because dual citizens may face additional taxes or even military service.