Dual Citizenship- Your Opinion

[Rob and Jill 82]

So, my fiance and I are having a little debate. He says he doesn't care about keeping dual citizenship...I think he should. Each time I give a scenario as to why he MIGHT need it, he is all "it doesn't work that way here". Lilke for example: Say one of his parents became very ill and needed a caregiver. Would he have medical coverage from the UK if he was there an extended period of time?

Does anyone have a positive/negative list going as to whether or not dual citizenship should be retained?

[English Muffin 59]

Does he realize that if he takes on US citizenship he won't lose his British citizenship, he will have both?

Edited February 18, 2010 by English Muffin

[Otto 83]

I can't think of a negative for dual-nationality (except maybe having to keep up with two passports); I definitely see no benefit to renouncing one over the other (which I presume you would have to do).

If US Citizenship is obtained, then he can enjoy all the benefits/privileges (such as voting) of a full-fledge 'American' - and can do that with or without renouncing previous citizenship. Or can remain an LPR (retaining previous citizenship), not vote (etc) and once every 10 years deal with USCIS.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

He will be able to avail himself of NHS coverage if (and only if) he reestablishes residency in the UK. Obtaining dual citizenship would make this a whole lot easier, since he wouldn't need to worry about time spent out of the US as a PR.

My husband is very pro-USA and has had to be talked out of relinquishing his UK citizenship. I stressed to him that he has no idea where life will take him, and that having a British passport along with a US one will open many more opportunities. I agree completely with what Otto says above.

[Dakine 26]

All depends on what the regulations are for ex UK citizens. Right to own proberty etc.

Who knows things may change later and you guys our he may want to live in UK.

NEVER know.

I guess there's no ruch tho.

Edited February 18, 2010 by Dakine

[Robyn-n-Kris 72]

We considered this but Kris isn't going to go for his US citizenship. Once we move back he will never return to the states. I'll keep mine and get UK citizenship though.

[Dakine 26]

We considered this but Kris isn't going to go for his US citizenship. Once we move back he will never return to the states. I'll keep mine and get UK citizenship though.

Aloha nui loa!

[Empress of Groovy 373]

My man's going to apply for naturalization when he's eligible. The long-term plan is for both of us to have dual citizenship. The pros definitely appear to outweigh the cons, if I'm understanding everything. Keeping options open is important. As Maven said, you never know what the future will bring.

[*julez* 124]

My husband plans to naturalize. As the others have pointed out, you don't know where life might take you. If I've learned anything in this life is NEVER say never.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

the disadvantage I keep coming back to is that Uncle Sam still wants his share no matter where you live in the world.

What this really means from a practical point of view for a married couple is not something I have completely figured out yet

[VisaJourneyLady 33]

I want to naturalise - I want a vote!

[Damian&Kelly 16]

My husband and I had this discussion many times, and it all came down to how much money we put into getting him here and the fact that after he becomes a US citizen, we're looking to live in England. We really don't want to have to worry about coming back to keep the US green card. I don't remember the rules with it. We're both very young and decided we'd like to be done with immigration (at least in the US) before settling down and having kids.

As for the cons, like someone said, Uncle sam comes knocking once a year no matter where you're living. But now that taxes can be done online, it shouldn't be too bad of an issue and I believe you don't have to pay in unless you make a certain amount of money which is pretty high. Now I just learned about this con but this hasn't changed our minds at all.

[Rob and Jill 82]

I don't think either of us were aware he will not lose one if he takes the other. I must do more research.

I think it would be in his best interest to make sure he keeps his citizenship. I was like...What if I died? He said "I'll be sad".

[*julez* 124]

He will retain UK citizenship unless he specifically renounces it. Once a US citizen, the US will only recognize him as such. But when he goes to the UK, he can still use his UK passport and upon return to the US, he would use a US passport for re-entry.

Edited to correct my error. The US will only recognize him as a US citizen! That's what I get for posting on the fly at work. Sorry for any confusion.

Edited February 19, 2010 by *julez*

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I don't think either of us were aware he will not lose one if he takes the other. I must do more research.

I think it would be in his best interest to make sure he keeps his citizenship. I was like...What if I died? He said "I'll be sad".

I don't think you can "lose" British citizenship unless it is renounced. But both countries allow dual citizenship, though the US doesn't "recognize" other citizenships which, in practice, only really means he would have to leave and enter on the US passport.

When I discussed this issue with my husband I also brought up the subject of death as a reason to consider it - it wasn't a particularly good way to keep the conversation on topic