What are the pros and cons of dual citizenship?

 Posted on April 01, 2021 in naturalization & citizenship

Your initial goal when coming to texas from your country of origin may not have been to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. However, if you subsequently set that goal, one question then looms large: what to do about your citizenship in your home country?

Renouncing your citizenship is not a requirement in order to become a U.S. citizen. That said, there certainly are advantages and disadvantages to having dual citizenship. You should weigh what those are before committing to a decision one way or the other.

Advantages to dual nationality

The most obvious benefit to having dual citizenship is the ease in traveling back and forth between the U.S. and your country of origin. You do not need to apply for a visa with every trip (however, according to the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, you must have a passport to enter and leave the country). This may be especially advantageous if members of your family remain in your country of origin. You can also own either commercial or residential property in either country. You also retain voting rights in both countries, allowing you to have a voice in the creation of local policy.

Disadvantages of maintaining dual citizenship

One clear disadvantage to maintaining dual citizenship is that you then become subject to a second set of federal laws and standards. This may require you to pay tax in both countries. There may also be scenarios where your legal obligations to each country come into conflict. One example is mandatory military service. If your country of origin requires that you serve a military term, the U.S. government may revoke your citizenship for serving in a foreign military.