Dual nationality is simultaneously being a citizen of two countries. Both countries
(i.e., U.S. and a foreign country or two foreign countries) recognize the person as
a citizen. Law confers dual citizenship, not by renunciation or choice. The person
is 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. citizens, including
dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the U.S. Dual nationals
may also be required by the foreign country to use that country’s passport to enter
and leave that country. Most countries permit a person to renounce or otherwise lose
citizenship.
You can obtain information on losing foreign citizenship from the foreign country's
embassy and consulates in the U.S. Americans can renounce U.S. citizenship in the
proper form at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
The Department of State is responsible for determining the citizenship status of a
person located outside the U.S. or in connection with the application for a U.S. passport
while in the U.S. The following information explains dual nationality and U.S. citizenship,
including circumstances where U.S. citizenship may be lost.
For dual citizenship situations, see RS 02640.001.
EXAMPLE 1:
A claimant born in the Federal Republic of Germany of U.S. citizen parents is a citizen
of both West Germany and the U.S.
EXAMPLE 2:
After residing in Israel for 3 years, Israel government automatically grants a U.S.
citizen Israeli citizenship without applying for such under the “Law of Return” if
they are Jewish and do not decline Israeli citizenship.