How to Obtain Dual Citizenship in the USA
The U.S. State Department does not recognize dual citizenship, but this does not mean that dual citizenship is illegal. There are two ways to obtain dual citizenship in the United States. The first is to be a United States citizen and obtain a foreign citizenship through family ties. The other is to be a foreign national that naturalizes inside the United States. It's important to thoroughly research obtaining a dual citizenship because U.S. laws do not always agree with the citizenship laws of another country.
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Instructions
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U.S. Citizen Obtaining Foreign Citizenship
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Research your lineage. Many countries have laws that qualify you as a citizen if you were born outside that country to parents, grandparents and, in rare cases, great-grandparents who were natural born citizens of a that country. Visit immigration websites of the countries in question, and research thoroughly.
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Gather the required documents to apply as a citizen of the country in question. Documents may include proof of blood relationship to a certain relative, birth certificates, proof of residency and nationality papers. This may require you to obtain documents from foreign countries.
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Print the citizenship application form from the country's immigration website. Include all required documents. Mail the application to the country's nearest consulate or embassy.
Foreign National Naturalizing in the U.S.
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Obtain a permanent residency card, known as a green card, through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The easiest way to get a green card approved is to have an employer sponsor your application or to be sponsored by a family member who is already a U.S. citizen. Green card applications can be made at U.S. consulates and embassies around the world.
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Enter the United States and live there for a period of five years as a legal permanent resident. You must be physically present inside the United States for 30 of the 60 months and not have any physical absences more than six continuous months to qualify.
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Visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, and print out form N-400 Application for Naturalization. Gather all required documents listed on the N-400 application. Mail the application and required documents to the appropriate federal lock-box facility listed on the N-400 application.
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Await the response from the federal government, then take the written citizenship test as instructed. Take the oath of citizenship in front of a state or federal official at a naturalization ceremony after passing the citizenship test.
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Tips & Warnings
The citizenship oath of the United States requires a superficial renunciation of any other citizenships. This is not a legally binding renunciation of other citizenships. Although, some other countries rescind their citizenship if you naturalize in another country.
Thoroughly research your dual citizenship. Some countries require civic duties from their citizens such as compulsory military service regardless of gender.
