Giving up other Citizenship?

[Dbkrantz 16]

Hi Guys,

I am getting way ahead of myself for my husband but we got talking today and were thinking.

Does becoming a US citizen mean that you have to give up your other citizenship? I know it used to be the case...

And, do you see any disadvantages to becoming a US citizen? My father read an article about US green card holders who chose not to become citizens when they could. I wish I could link the article but the International Herald tribune is down (linked to the NY times).

Anyway, any answers would be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks,

Deborah

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

No, that did not used to be the case, and no, it is not the case now (for the UK).

Edited August 28, 2013 by Harpa Timsah

[jenni17 36]

There are no issues on the US side with having dual citizenship, you would simply obtain your US citizenship while maintaining your passport in your original country. You'll want to check to make sure that the UK doesn't have any issues with dual citizenship though. If you keep both though you must always enter the US on your US passport.

As for benefits, keep in mind that with green card status you must live in the us for at least 6 months of the year. If he doesn't become a citizen and you two ever decide to move to the UK to live for a time he could lose his green card and you'd have to go through the process again..

[Dbkrantz 16]

Hi,

Thanks for those answer. We are actually French, (living in the UK) and I know for a fact that France would have no problem as I am dual-citizen myself.

I thought you would give up the US after one year and not 6 months. Good to know!

And, you could also vote and never ever go through paperwork again! Very tempting...

[Sukie 1,463]

Hi Guys,

Does becoming a US citizen mean that you have to give up your other citizenship? I know it used to be the case...

And, do you see any disadvantages to becoming a US citizen? My father read an article about US green card holders who chose not to become citizens when they could. I wish I could link the article but the International Herald tribune is down (linked to the NY times).

Many thanks,

Deborah

++++++++++++++

Deborah, be sure to take tax consequences into account as well. If you have US Citizenship, you will be taxed on ANY income in ANY country in the world.

There are US Citizens who are giving UP their citizenship (they have moved to and settled in another country) because the US tax laws are so stringent. If you have any income in France or the UK, you will be taxed on it in the US. This includes any inheritance (in some circumstances), or bank interest.

Sukie

[Dbkrantz 16]

Thanks Sukie,

I actually knew that as well because my father continues to pay US taxes even if he lives in France

Thanks for reminding me!

[NickD 203]

Wife was disturbed because of very seriously taking the oath at the USCIS, then being told by our DOS that she has to maintain her citizenship in her home country if she wants to visit her mom. But they like to call it dual naturalization. With US citizenship, your relationship ends with the USCIS and begins with the DOS. Like a different ballgame.

Getting rid of that green card is a blessing, still have to pay taxes, but have no say on how the government spends your money, in particular in local elections, I mean if your mayor want to build a half million buck statue of himself that would drastically increase your property taxes, with a green card, you don't have the right to say, no.

Then the residency requirements. Also can get up at night to use your bathroom without carrying your green card. After all the laws says you must carry your green card wherever you go.

It's basically a question of travel, if you don't travel, far better off to become a USC. If you just travel to your home country, and required to maintain citizenship in that country, you only have to maintain one instead of two passports with a green card. Another difference, is that the USCIC list your last country of naturalization where the only thing the DOS is interested in is the country your place of birth is in.

Best to go to the DOS site and look up the country you were born in and read about the requirements to help you make your decision.