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In the past, Denmark did not allow double citizenship: you had to give up your current citizenship to obtain Danish citizenship, but it looks like a new law - soon to be passed - will allow double citizenship.
There are literally thousands, if not tens of thousands, of former Danish citizens who have moved overseas and acquired a new citizenship and lost their Danish citizenship as a result. Many will apply to regain their lost Danish citizenship.
My query is due to the fact that many of them were required to take loyalty oaths in their new country to obtain citizenship there. This includes the US, which specifically forbids US citizens from swearing loyalty to a foreign country. Denmark also has a loyalty oath - quite mild compared to the US - but with the same general provision.
Both countries will probably turn a blind eye to the potential conflict. Certainly, the US already has.
But what are the legal ramifications in the US of swearing allegiance to another country, where the rubber meets the road?
Section 349 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1481), as amended, states that U.S. nationals are subject to loss of nationality if they perform certain specified acts voluntarily and with the intention to relinquish U.S. nationality. Briefly stated, these acts include:
1. obtaining naturalization in a foreign state upon one's own application after the age of 18 (Sec. 349 (a) (1) INA);
2. taking an oath, affirmation or other formal declaration of allegiance to a foreign state or its political subdivisions after the age of 18 (Sec. 349 (a) (2) INA);
"a person who acquires a foreign nationality by applying for it may lose U.S. nationality. In order to lose U.S. nationality, the law requires that the person must apply for the foreign nationality voluntarily, by free choice, and with the intention to give up U.S. nationality."
"Intent can be shown by the person's statements or conduct. The U.S. Government recognizes that dual nationality exists but does not encourage it as a matter of policy because of the problems it may cause."
But what are the legal ramifications in the US of swearing allegiance to another country, where the rubber meets the road?
For most people: there are none.
As long as you don't commit some horrific crime or treason, no one is going to bother even checking.
I doubt Danish citizens, who gained US citizenship, gave up their Danish citizenship in the first place. The US does not require you to provide proof that you renounced your previous citizenship to gain US citizenship. The United States simply has you swear a formal oath in front of a judge.
Some countries require a statement from your consular officials that you gave up citizenship. That means you have to go to your embassy, turn in your passport, sign all the documents renouncing your citizenship, have your citizenship officially revoked, then take all that paperwork to your new country before they will give you citizenship.
Many countries don't allow dual citizenship like Holland does allow it for people from Marrocco but not for people of other countries unless you came to the U.S. at least 5 years prior to turning 18 and than you can keep both citizenships otherwise you loose the Dutch citizenship.
Many countries don't allow dual citizenship like Holland does allow it for people from Marrocco but not for people of other countries unless you came to the U.S. at least 5 years prior to turning 18 and than you can keep both citizenships otherwise you loose the Dutch citizenship.
Many places are also crapholes.
Aside from Norway, Netherlands, and Denmark most European countries will allow it. Most of the European countries that outright forbid or severely restrict dual citizenship tend to be former soviet states. There are also some countries in Asia and the middle east that won't allow it. Now, some countries may not recognize dual citizenship, but don't go so far as to ban the practice or require you to relinquish your citizenship(s).
For most, there are no issues with dual citizenship. Taxes can be tricky (if you live abroad with US citizenship) and seeking political office can be troublesome but for average people, dual citizenship is only beneficial. The US has been actively deterring people from renouncing like increasing fees recently from $450 to $2350 so they want to keep Americans, even if they take an oath abroad for naturalization. Dare I say those oaths are mere formalities because in the American case dual citizenship is completely legal. What sort of conflict is going to arise between Denmark and the US in the near future that would test Danish-Americans?
What? I thought the United States ALLOWED dual-citizenship! I have dual-citizenship with Romania and/or Hungary (it depends), my husband has his with Mexico. You mean to tell me that if we move out of the country and get our foreign passports, we'd lose our US citizenship?
That does not make sense. There are a lot of expats abroad that hasn't touched US soil for 20+ years, gained citizenship in their country and are still being treated as US citizens.......
We have dual citizenship as do our kids. Irish people can have it and if your grandfather was born in Ireland, and you can prove it, you can have irish citizenship.
The reason for it ; we go to europe a lot and it is easier to travel thru europe with an irish passport. Also, when our kids are older, it maybe good for them to have it if they are working for an international company ; no work papers needed.
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