Dual Citizenship

[Kevin-n-Merlaine 14]

I've searched here several times in the past, and just did again. I can't seem to find much information though. Who here has done it and what's involved? Does she have to be naturalized here in the US first then re-apply for Phil citizenship? It's still down the road a ways I know, but if there was anything she could do now while she's still in Manila, to save some time or effort, that would be great BTW, I like the new layout here but I HATE how the topics come up when you search

[Markieboy 104]

I've searched here several times in the past, and just did again. I can't seem to find much information though. Who here has done it and what's involved? Does she have to be naturalized here in the US first then re-apply for Phil citizenship? It's still down the road a ways I know, but if there was anything she could do now while she's still in Manila, to save some time or effort, that would be great BTW, I like the new layout here but I HATE how the topics come up when you search

We haven't done this yet, but I think I have a general idea what is involved.

First, she will become a naturalized U.S. citizen. When one becomes a U.S. citizen, they renounce any other citizenship they previously had. Thereby, losing Philippine citizenship.

However, according to Philippine law, a former Filipino CAN re-acquire Philippine citizenship. Therefore, she can then apply for re-acquisition of her Philippine citizenship. She would then have dual citizenship.

You can verify this information with the Philippine Consulate General - Chicago. This office has jurisdiction over Kansas. Hope that helps some!

[Kevin-n-Merlaine 14]

Big thanks Markie!!

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I've searched here several times in the past, and just did again. I can't seem to find much information though. Who here has done it and what's involved? Does she have to be naturalized here in the US first then re-apply for Phil citizenship? It's still down the road a ways I know, but if there was anything she could do now while she's still in Manila, to save some time or effort, that would be great BTW, I like the new layout here but I HATE how the topics come up when you search

The US's formal position is that you are a US citizen (or not) and nothing else. If a Phillipine ccitizen becomes a US citizen, then as far as the US is concerned they are a US citizen. Period. There is no US law or regulation preventing anyone from being alsdo a citizen of another country. You do NOT give up your prior citizenship to become a US citizen and the US does not notify anyone in the Phillipines (or anywhere) that she has become a US citizen. Some other countries do not allow dual citizehship.

There is nothing for you to "check" on in the US. Just become a citizen and that is all. Regardless of the Phillipines position, she will always have a Phillipine birth certificate and can renew her passport over and over again IF she goes to the Phillipines to do so.

[Gumbolette 58]

Even though your wife has a long way to be a citizen of the US. She has to go communicate with the Philippine Embassy here in the US and process it. My aunt is a dual citizen but I am not so sure how she started it. I may have to ask her.

[Kevin-n-Merlaine 14]

The US's formal position is that you are a US citizen (or not) and nothing else. If a Phillipine ccitizen becomes a US citizen, then as far as the US is concerned they are a US citizen. Period. There is no US law or regulation preventing anyone from being alsdo a citizen of another country. You do NOT give up your prior citizenship to become a US citizen and the US does not notify anyone in the Phillipines (or anywhere) that she has become a US citizen. Some other countries do not allow dual citizehship.

There is nothing for you to "check" on in the US. Just become a citizen and that is all. Regardless of the Phillipines position, she will always have a Phillipine birth certificate and can renew her passport over and over again IF she goes to the Phillipines to do so.

This makes more sense to me G&A, but if it's not necessary then why are there provisions for it and why did the Philippines pass the Citizenship Retention and Re-Acquisition Act of 2003? The way you explain it makes more sense to me as well but we know using government and sense in the same sentence is an oxymoron We plan to own a home and retire/semi-retire there one day so it's very important that we're documented properly

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

This makes more sense to me G&A, but if it's not necessary then why are there provisions for it and why did the Philippines pass the Citizenship Retention and Re-Acquisition Act of 2003? The way you explain it makes more sense to me as well but we know using government and sense in the same sentence is an oxymoron We plan to own a home and retire/semi-retire there one day so it's very important that we're documented properly

While I agree that it doesn't make much sense we still plan for Anna (and Gabby) to do the paperwork as we don't know for sure where we'll be in 20 years and I'd hate for us to have to deal with some limitation because a paper-pusher discovered that she is a US Citizen who never filed to retain her Ph Citizenship.

BTW, apparently Germany has a strict process which involves requesting retention prior to naturalization so this isn't unique to the Philippines.

[Kevin-n-Merlaine 14]

That was my concern Bob/Anna. I wanted to make sure that..if it's lost, she can get it back. It's stupid to "lose" it in the first place. It should be as easy as signing a form during the immigration process...wait, that's crazy talk..sorry . Like you, I have no idea where we'll be that many years down the road. She may decide she really likes lower humidity and 4 seasons, who knows. I know we'll want to own land or a home there though and it's tricky enough to buy a legal, deeded piece of property there and KEEP it. I want to make sure we don't inadvertently throw a monkey wrench in an already shaky machine.

[Markieboy 104]

That was my concern Bob/Anna. I wanted to make sure that..if it's lost, she can get it back. It's stupid to "lose" it in the first place. It should be as easy as signing a form during the immigration process...wait, that's crazy talk..sorry . Like you, I have no idea where we'll be that many years down the road. She may decide she really likes lower humidity and 4 seasons, who knows. I know we'll want to own land or a home there though and it's tricky enough to buy a legal, deeded piece of property there and KEEP it. I want to make sure we don't inadvertently throw a monkey wrench in an already shaky machine.

Yeah, I'm not sure why one loses citizenship, either. But you are right, the Philippines would not have a Re-acquisition Act if otherwise.

It's a very good idea to secure dual citizenship for the future. Like you and Bob, my wife will also apply for dual citizenship in a few years. We, too, are planning to retire in the Philippines...one day. We want the option of buying real estate without any restrictions. And one of the requirements is, Filipino citizenship. So, we want to make 100% sure there are no potential snags down the line.

[chinese_mutt 11]

The US's formal position is that you are a US citizen (or not) and nothing else. If a Phillipine ccitizen becomes a US citizen, then as far as the US is concerned they are a US citizen. Period. There is no US law or regulation preventing anyone from being alsdo a citizen of another country. You do NOT give up your prior citizenship to become a US citizen and the US does not notify anyone in the Phillipines (or anywhere) that she has become a US citizen. Some other countries do not allow dual citizehship.

There is nothing for you to "check" on in the US. Just become a citizen and that is all. Regardless of the Phillipines position, she will always have a Phillipine birth certificate and can renew her passport over and over again IF she goes to the Phillipines to do so.

do you have to surrender your passport when one gets naturalized?

[DainandVicky 4]

do you have to surrender your passport when one gets naturalized?

No, but you cannot renew it until you do the oath ceremony to re-acquire your philippine citizinship. It's a simple ceremony that can be done at the Philippines embassies here in the U.S. or on a return trip to the Philippines. From what I've read here and online doing my own research it is a requirement to re-obtain your Philippines citizinship once you have naturalized to the U.S. It's something to do with the wording of the oath when becoming a U.S. citizen, I can't remember the specifics.

While there is no specific law in the U.S. barring dual citizenship, one can be found to have renounced their citizenship if they become a citizen of a foreign country after being a citizen of the U.S. This rarely happens, but has in the (fairly distant) past. Therefore, it is also possible for the original U.S. spouse to become a dual citizen of the U.S. and Philippines as well. I plan to do that as well as have Vicky being a dual citizen, I plan to also do the same later in life.

[paulmherrie 1]

do you have to surrender your passport when one gets naturalized?

When my husband was naturalize, he didn't surrender his Philippine passport. He was planning to apply for a dual citizenship too in the future. I think one is required to surrender his Philippine passport once he renounced it forever ( his brother did when he applied in the army).

[iahmjpinoy 6]

No, but you cannot renew it until you do the oath ceremony to re-acquire your philippine citizinship. It's a simple ceremony that can be done at the Philippines embassies here in the U.S. or on a return trip to the Philippines. From what I've read here and online doing my own research it is a requirement to re-obtain your Philippines citizinship once you have naturalized to the U.S. It's something to do with the wording of the oath when becoming a U.S. citizen, I can't remember the specifics.

So this is the Allegiance, and the bold the part that renounce all other allegiance..

I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.[1]

While there is no specific law in the U.S. barring dual citizenship, one can be found to have renounced their citizenship if they become a citizen of a foreign country after being a citizen of the U.S. This rarely happens, but has in the (fairly distant) past. Therefore, it is also possible for the original U.S. spouse to become a dual citizen of the U.S. and Philippines as well. I plan to do that as well as have Vicky being a dual citizen, I plan to also do the same later in life.

And this is the oath to regain your Phils citizenship back, without, renouncing your US citizenship.

"I,________________, solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and obey the laws and local orders promulgated by the duly constituted authorities of the Philippines, and I hereby declare that I recognise and accept the supreme authority of the Philippines and will maintain true faith and allegiance thereto, and that I impose this obligation upon myself voluntarily without mental reservation or purpose of evasion."

I'm also looking to get my dual-citizenship status as well...

[victorandmaricris 0]

I was born in the Philippines and moved to Chicago at the age of 1. I acquired US citizenship through my parents at the age of 7. I was born in the Philippines and therefore was a natural citizen of the Philippines. In 2008 I planned on being in the Philippines to do a little work for my Father and would have to be there for a year or more.. I decided it would be a good idea to get my dual citizenship. I filled out the paper work and walked it to the embassy and paid my fee. They have a schedule for taking the oath and ceremony. I think they do it once a month. I basically just picked the day I wanted to take my oath and I showed up and filled out more paper work and had my dual citizenship that day. They mailed me the official forms a couple months later. The process in 2008 wasn't that hard.. It only took me 2 or 3 weeks and the fee was minimal.. I still havent gotten a passport though, but I do have the official documents.

On a side note, my friend also did the same thing, and they actually had a separate ceremony for him because he could wait the 3 weeks for the scheduled oath days. In other words, they are pretty accommodating... At least in my experience that is..

I hope this helps...

[Kevin-n-Merlaine 14]

I was born in the Philippines and moved to Chicago at the age of 1. I acquired US citizenship through my parents at the age of 7. I was born in the Philippines and therefore was a natural citizen of the Philippines. In 2008 I planned on being in the Philippines to do a little work for my Father and would have to be there for a year or more.. I decided it would be a good idea to get my dual citizenship. I filled out the paper work and walked it to the embassy and paid my fee. They have a schedule for taking the oath and ceremony. I think they do it once a month. I basically just picked the day I wanted to take my oath and I showed up and filled out more paper work and had my dual citizenship that day. They mailed me the official forms a couple months later. The process in 2008 wasn't that hard.. It only took me 2 or 3 weeks and the fee was minimal.. I still havent gotten a passport though, but I do have the official documents.

On a side note, my friend also did the same thing, and they actually had a separate ceremony for him because he could wait the 3 weeks for the scheduled oath days. In other words, they are pretty accommodating... At least in my experience that is..

I hope this helps...

Thanks! It sounds like a pretty easy process once the "not so easy" process is done here in the US.