U.S. Department of State Affirms Dual Citizenship Does Not Automatically Cause Loss of U.S. Nationality
The U.S. Department of State consistently maintains that naturalizing in another country does not automatically result in the loss of U.S. citizenship. This policy confirms that the United States permits dual citizenship, meaning individuals can hold citizenship in the U.S. and at least one other country simultaneously. U.S. law does not compel individuals to choose between their U.S. nationality and another. However, dual citizens are subject to specific obligations, including the requirement to enter and leave the United States using a U.S. passport and to fulfill U.S. tax filing duties regardless of their country of residence. Loss of U.S. citizenship is uncommon and typically requires a voluntary and intentional act, such as formally renouncing citizenship before a U.S. consular officer. Routine actions like voting abroad or holding a foreign public office generally do not, by themselves, trigger the loss of U.S. citizenship.
