MANILA – The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. reassured Filipinos on Saturday that the United States continues to recognize dual citizenship, dismissing circulating claims that holding another nationality could endanger an individual’s American citizenship.
Recent rumors suggested that the US might tighten rules or require individuals to renounce foreign citizenship amid stricter immigration measures.
“The United States continues to allow dual citizenship, and there have been no changes to this policy,” the embassy said in a statement.
“Do not let misinformation deter you from pursuing dual citizenship. Applications are being accepted at the Philippine Embassy and Consulates throughout the United States,” it added.
The announcement came as the embassy welcomed 15 new dual citizens on Friday. These individuals had previously lost their Philippine citizenship after naturalizing as US citizens but regained it under Philippine Republic Act 9225.
Filipinos who forfeited citizenship through US naturalization may still apply for dual citizenship. Those born in the United States to at least one Filipino parent are considered dual citizens at birth and are encouraged to report their birth to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
The embassy clarified that dual citizens who voluntarily renounce Philippine citizenship cannot reacquire it under RA 9225, as voluntary renunciation is permanent.
Although a bill proposing to end dual citizenship in the US is currently under consideration in the Senate, the embassy emphasized that it must undergo multiple legislative stages and may not ultimately become law.
Historically, challenges to dual or multiple citizenship in the US have not succeeded. The US Supreme Court recognized dual citizenship in 1952, affirming that an individual can enjoy the rights and fulfill the obligations of two nationalities simultaneously.
“A person may have and exercise rights of nationality in two countries and be subject to the responsibilities of both. The mere fact that he asserts the rights of one citizenship does not mean that he renounces the other (Kawakita v US, 343 US 717),” the embassy noted.
