US/Canada Dual Citizenship + Border Officer Abuse?

[VanessaTony 3,567]

If you are a US citizen, you have an absolute RIGHT to enter the US at any time. Likewise, if you are Canadian citizen, you have a similar right to enter Canada. A border guard might decide to go on a power trip, but he can't prevent you from entering.

Not without the proper accepted proof of citizenship.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

First, there is no such thing as a dual citizen. The only person who would have been a dual citizen is Clark Kent and Superman, two identities in one body. However, since he/they were illegal aliens from the planet Krypton, guilty of document fraud and false claim of US citizenship, aside from the fact that he/they never existed, it's probably not such a good example.

The term dual citizenship is commonly used to describe a person who is a citizen of two countries, falsely so, but used this way anyway.

The United States does not recognize multiple citizenship. That means for the United States government a United States citizen is a United States citizen and nothing but a United States citizen. A United States citizen can be a citizen of several other countries as well, and the United States government gives a rodent's behind about this, as long as this does not interfere with US interest. So if you are a US citizen and become the Ayatollah of Iran and declare war on the imperialist American pigs, the US government pays attention about your Iranian citizenship, otherwise not. A United States citizen is also required by law to exit and to enter the United States with a valid U.S. passport.

In contrast, Canada is arguably the most liberal country in regard to multiple citizenship on the face of this planet. Not only does the Canadian government recognize multiple citizenship, but it also embraces it. A Canadian citizen is not required to exit or to enter Canada with a Canadian passport, but is required to identify themselves as a Canadian citizen to authorities.

To save money, many Canadians who are also Americans thus travel exclusively with their U.S. passport.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

First, there is no such thing as a dual citizen. The only person who would have been a dual citizen is Clark Kent and Superman, two identities in one body. However, since he/they were illegal aliens from the planet Krypton, guilty of document fraud and false claim of US citizenship, aside from the fact that he/they never existed, it's probably not such a good example.

The term dual citizenship is commonly used to describe a person who is a citizen of two countries, falsely so, but used this way anyway.

It's actually dual national now I think :S

[VeeNDee 44]

Just wondering in case we both end up with dual citizenship one day - we have to leave and enter the US with a US passport. But can we enter Canada with a Canadian passport? If entering Canada on a Canadian passport happens at the same time as we are leaving the US (aka from US to Canada) are we not required to use the US passport to enter Canada since we are leaving? I guess what I am saying is, when I enter Canada from the US can I ever use my Canadian passport if I become a US citizen? Sorry, just a bit confused!

[newacct 688]

Just wondering in case we both end up with dual citizenship one day - we have to leave and enter the US with a US passport. But can we enter Canada with a Canadian passport? If entering Canada on a Canadian passport happens at the same time as we are leaving the US (aka from US to Canada) are we not required to use the US passport to enter Canada since we are leaving? I guess what I am saying is, when I enter Canada from the US can I ever use my Canadian passport if I become a US citizen? Sorry, just a bit confused!

The term "leaving the U.S." is kind of confusing, and there was a thread on VJ about this recently. But I think the consensus was that, the U.S. does not normally check people exiting the U.S., but sometimes they randomly do checks at the gate; if they do, you must use your U.S. passport. So 99% of the time, you do not have to do anything with your U.S. passport when you exit. And when you enter another country after coming from the U.S., that is "entering that country", not "leaving the U.S.".

Of course, since Canada doesn't care what passport you enter with, you can always use your U.S. passport anyway. But that will only work well if you don't live in Canada, as they will ask you how long you intend to stay in Canada.