Dual Nationality is Permitted by the U.S.; not all Countries Have Similar Rules
The July 23, 2023 post explained there is a common myth that still persists about U.S. citizenship. It is often stated (erroneously) that someone becoming a U.S. naturalized citizen must forsake citizenship to another country. See, Dual Nationality has Been Permitted in the U.S.A. since 1967: U.S. Supreme Court Confirmed Constitutional Rights of Citizenship (Afroyim v. Rusk, 387 U.S. 253 (1967))
This is true, depending upon the laws of the other country. The United States will not require the individual to forsake citizenship to the other country.
However, the laws of the foreign country may prohibit dual nationality. For instance, Germany has had a restriction that according to the Germany publication DW – is about to become easier. See, Dual citizenship in Germany set to become easier: Germany’s government is getting closer to allowing immigrants multiple citizenships after overturning a decades long ban. The idea, a long-standing tradition in many countries, is well overdue, say those affected. (May 2023)
Similarly, India has restrictions on dual nationality. According to the Indian Consulate in San Francisco –
Notice regarding Dual Citizenship (India)
Consulate wishes to clarify on the citizenship status of OCI cardholders. Constitution of India does not allow holding Indian citizenship and Citizenship of a foreign country simultaneously. The Government of India has decided to register Persons of Indian Origin of certain category as has been specified in the Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 as Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Cardholder. It is basically a life long Visa and with some other privileges attached which can be seen on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ website. It is reiterated that holding an OCI card in no way entitles its holders to claim the status of dual citizenship.
Indian Consulate in San Francisco –
The U.S. State Department explains U.S. dual nationality in some detail on its website – including the following statement (U.S. Department of State -Dual Nationality):
U.S. law does not impede its citizens’ acquisition of foreign citizenship whether by birth, descent, naturalization or other form of acquisition, by imposing requirements of permission from U.S. courts or any governmental agency. If a foreign country’s law permits parents to apply for citizenship on behalf of minor children, nothing in U.S. law impedes U.S. citizen parents from doing so.
U.S. law does not require a U.S. citizen to choose between U.S. citizenship and another (foreign) nationality (or nationalities). A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to their U.S. citizenship.
U.S. Department of State -Dual Nationality