FILE PHOTO
WASHINGTON – The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., this week warned the Filipino community against false information circulating on social media about potential changes to US policies regarding dual citizenship and green card holders.
In an advisory, the Embassy clarified that there have been no changes to policies on the travel rights of dual citizens or lawful permanent residents and urged the public to verify information through official government sources and avoid sharing unverified content.
You may like PH embassy in US: Don’t renounce PH citizenship due to social media claims
Here are important facts based on current policies.
Q: Is it true that the United States no longer recognizes dual citizenship?
A: No. That is false. The United States continues to recognize and permit dual citizenship.
There is no US law prohibiting dual or multiple citizenships. In fact, US Supreme Court decisions and long-standing immigration policies confirm that Americans may hold more than one nationality, provided their acquisition of another nationality is not accompanied by a voluntary renunciation of US citizenship.
Legal basis:
-
US Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual (7 FAM 080):
“A US citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to their US citizenship if the naturalization is not intended to relinquish US citizenship.”
-
Afroyim v. Rusk, 387 US 253 (1967): The Supreme Court ruled that a US citizen cannot be involuntarily stripped of citizenship simply for voting in a foreign country or acquiring foreign nationality.
-
Vance v. Terrazas, 444 US 252 (1980): The Court reaffirmed that intention to relinquish is key – citizenship cannot be lost without clear, voluntary intent.
Q: Do Filipinos who become US citizens lose their Philippine citizenship?
A: Not anymore — thanks to R.A. 9225, the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003.
Under this Philippine law, former natural-born Filipinos who became naturalized citizens of another country, like the US, may reacquire or retain their Philippine citizenship by taking an Oath of Allegiance before a Philippine consulate or authorized office.
This means you can legally be a dual citizen of the US and the Philippines – enjoying the rights and duties of both countries.
Q: What about Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders)? Can they also be dual citizens?
A: Green card holders are not yet US citizens — so technically, they retain sole citizenship with their country of origin (e.g., the Philippines) while enjoying permanent residence in the US.
However, once they naturalize (after meeting residency and other requirements), they can acquire US citizenship and thereafter, reacquire Philippine citizenship under R.A. 9225 – becoming lawful dual citizens.
Q: Which other countries allow or prohibit dual citizenship?
Here is a concise summary:
Countries that permit dual citizenship (with or without restriction):
-
Philippines – through R.A. 9225
-
Canada, UK, France, Italy, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, South Africa, United States
-
Israel – allows multiple citizenships under the Law of Return
-
Germany – now allows dual citizenship after 2024 reforms
Countries that generally prohibit or Restrict Dual Citizenship:
-
China – strictly prohibits; acquiring a foreign nationality may result in automatic loss of Chinese citizenship
-
India – does not recognize dual citizenship but offers Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status
-
Japan – requires dual citizens to choose one nationality by age 22
-
Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, UAE – typically restrict or disallow dual nationality, though exceptions exist
Note: Each country defines its own rules, so dual nationals must understand the implications under both legal systems.
Q: What happens if I hold dual citizenship but only use one passport?
**A: US law requires that all US citizens — including dual nationals — enter and exit the United States using their US passport. This is stated in:
-
8 U.S.C. § 1185(b)
-
Department of State regulations
Using a foreign passport to enter or leave the US may result in delays, secondary inspection, or legal complications.
Q: There are Facebook posts claiming dual citizenship is being revoked or ‘no longer allowed.’ Is this true?
A: No. These are dangerous pieces of misinformation and false legal interpretations.
There is no executive order, law or memorandum from the US government eliminating dual citizenship rights. Similarly, the Philippine government continues to recognize dual citizens under R.A. 9225, and both the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and DFA consular posts affirm this policy.
Fake news – particularly via unverified Facebook pages, YouTube channels, and TikTok accounts – are deliberately misleading the public. These false claims are not only legally baseless, but they also cause confusion, panic and unnecessary renunciations of citizenship.
Truth matters in law and citizenship
In this age of digital manipulation and social media disinformation, your legal status should never be based on viral posts, TikTok rants or political propaganda. Your rights – especially as a dual citizen – are grounded in the laws of nations, not opinions of influencers.
Dual citizenship remains legal, recognized, and protected in both the United States and the Philippines – provided it is lawfully acquired.
Before making any decision affecting your nationality or immigration status, consult a licensed immigration attorney or legal expert. The consequences of relying on misinformation can be irreversible.
Do not let fake news strip you of your real rights.
References:
-
US State Department Foreign Affairs Manual: 7 FAM 080
-
Afroyim v. Rusk, 387 US 253 (1967)
-
Vance v. Terrazas, 444 US 252 (1980)
-
Republic Act No. 9225 (Philippines)
-
8 U.S.C. § 1481 and § 1185(b)
-
Commission on Filipinos Overseas: www.cfo.gov.ph
-
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): www.uscis.gov
