USC wants to also be a citizen of Grenada

[town&country 9]

I have questions about dual citizenship, or dual nationality, and it's hard to get a straight answer from the Great Google or the Dept of State. I am married to a Grenada citizen and I am automatically able to apply for Grenada citizenship. Questions is will U.S. allow me have the dual citizenship? I certainly don't want to give up my U.S. citizenship (by birth BTW). How will I know--do I need a lawyer, or who to talk to?

Thanks for any ideas! Julia

[BigDaddy28 228]

No you don't lose your citizenship when you get another country citizenship unless if the other country required you gibe it up. So as long as Grenada doesn't require renunciation of citizenship you should be ok

[Ms Hogan 295]

I have questions about dual citizenship, or dual nationality, and it's hard to get a straight answer from the Great Google or the Dept of State. I am married to a Grenada citizen and I am automatically able to apply for Grenada citizenship. Questions is will U.S. allow me have the dual citizenship? I certainly don't want to give up my U.S. citizenship (by birth BTW). How will I know--do I need a lawyer, or who to talk to?

Thanks for any ideas! Julia

What are the rules in Grenada and will they allow dual? Is there a reason to want citizenship in Grenada? Can you wait for it until a time you might need it?

From this site

Dual Nationality

Section 101(a)(22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) states that “the term ‘national of the United States’ means (A) a citizen of the United States, or (B) a person who, though not a citizen of the United States, owes permanent allegiance to the United States.” Therefore, U.S. citizens are also U.S. nationals. Non-citizen nationality status refers only individuals who were born either in American Samoa or on Swains Island to parents who are not citizens of the United States. The concept of dual nationality means that a person is a national of two countries at the same time. Each country has its own nationality laws based on its own policy. Persons may have dual nationality by automatic operation of different laws rather than by choice. For example, a child born in a foreign country to U.S. national parents may be both a U.S. national and a national of the country of birth.

A U.S. national may acquire foreign nationality by marriage, or a person naturalized as a U.S. national may not lose the nationality of the country of birth. U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one nationality or another. Also, a person who is automatically granted another nationality does not risk losing U.S. nationality. However, a person who acquires a foreign nationality by applying for it may lose U.S. nationality. In order to lose U.S. nationality, the law requires that the person must apply for the foreign nationality voluntarily, by free choice, and with the intention to give up U.S. nationality.

Intent can be shown by the person's statements or conduct. The U.S. Government recognizes that dual nationality exists but does not encourage it as a matter of policy because of the problems it may cause. Claims of other countries on dual national U.S. nationals may conflict with U.S. law, and dual nationality may limit U.S. Government efforts to assist nationals abroad. The country where a dual national is located generally has a stronger claim to that person's allegiance.

However, dual nationals owe allegiance to both the United States and the foreign country. They are required to obey the laws of both countries. Either country has the right to enforce its laws, particularly if the person later travels there. Most U.S. nationals, including dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. Dual nationals may also be required by the foreign country to use its passport to enter and leave that country. Use of the foreign passport does not endanger U.S. nationality. Most countries permit a person to renounce or otherwise lose nationality.

Information on losing foreign nationality can be obtained from the foreign country's embassy and consulates in the United States. Americans can renounce U.S. nationality in the proper form at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.

And here too is a helpful way of understanding it.

[newacct 688]

US citizenship properly acquired cannot be lost under any circumstances unless the person voluntarily intends to relinquish US citizenship.

[klang78 8]

My husband was born in Grenada and is also a citizen of the the great USA and there are no problems with his dual Citizenship.

[town&country 9]

Thanks so much for your responses and links. I have read that section from the state dept many times and find it kind of ambiguous. But you all have clarified for me.

Why be a citizen of Grenada too? Why not? Is there a downside? Benefits would be I could vote, and with a Grenada passport would qualify for Caricom which gives you a lot of freedom around the Caribbean and England, and well would feel somewhat personally invested in the place for when I retire there with my hubby (we think). Grenada