Certain immigrants to Pennsylvania may wish to acquire the benefits of American citizenship but may still wish to keep their citizenship to their homeland. For these individuals, they may approach the citizenship process with the goal of becoming a dual citizen. If granted dual citizenship, these individuals will have the legal rights and responsibilities associated with being a citizen of both countries.
Dual citizenship provides several benefits. For example, a person can establish residency in multiple countries. Additionally, as a citizen, the individual may be eligible for certain government programs. However, there are also drawbacks, such as having to make tax payments to both countries. After considering the pros and cons, an individual who wishes to pursue dual citizenship may pursue this status in a number of ways. One way is to be born to immigrant parents in the United States. Another way to acquire citizenship is to become a naturalized citizen while still maintaining a person’s original citizenship. Finally, a person may regain citizenship for his or her homeland after he or she becomes a naturalized citizen in the United States.
While the United States does not officially recognize dual citizenship, it also does not take an official stand against it. An American citizen does not usually forfeit citizenship by acquiring citizenship in another country. In the majority of situations, this country does not attach any certain significance to another country claiming an individual as a citizen. However, in some situations, an individual can lose United States citizenship based on the person intending to forfeit citizenship.
If a person wishes to hold dual citizenship, it is important that he or she understand the legal rights and responsibilities of this arrangement. An immigration attorney may be able to explain this information to the individual.
Source: Findlaw, “Dual Citizenship“, August 18, 2014
Source: Findlaw, “Dual Citizenship“, August 18, 2014