Question
My husband is from Spain. Is it true that if they apply for US citizenship they lose the Spanish citizenship?
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“Becoming a US Citizen intels renouncing to your citizenship elsewhere at the time of the oath. However, there is no vehicle for the country of origin to know you have become a citizen of the US. So, as long as you keep your country of origin passport current, I don’t see a reason why your husband couldn’t hold “dual” citizenship.”
“There is no requirement to give up citizenship. The oath of allegiance requires him to renounce allegiance and fidelity to any foreign state, but not citizenship. I’m a US immigration attorney, never have I had a client be asked to renounce their citizenship.”
“US won’t care.”
“Meanwhile, to become a Spaniard citizen, you must give up your citizenship. I don’t plan on it.”
“As a Zimbabwean who became an American citizen I can tell you there is no such requirement that you give up your previous citizenship. I hold three citizenships including the USA and hope one day to get the Spanish citizenship too.”
“The US State Department webpage on dual citizenship states the following; ‘However, dual nationals owe allegiance to both the United States and the foreign country. They are required to obey the laws of both countries. Either country has the right to enforce its laws, particularly if the person later travels there.'”
“He can keep it but he would have to file some paperwork within 3 years of acquiring US citizenship to keep it.”
“He can keep it. I am from Valencia and became a US citizen 13 years ago. Once he gets the citizenship he has 3 years to tell the Spanish consulate he wants to keep his Spanish citizenship, then he has wait for the judge to say yes, which he will just like me.”
“Not true. You can keep both now. He will have to contact the consulate and bring them some paperwork they require.”
“Once he gets US citizenship, he has 3 years to declare he wants to keep his Spanish citizenship. If he doesn’t, he loses it. Check with the Spain consulate.”
“You are allowed to have multiple citizenships in the US.”
“My husband took US citizenship and maintained his passport and DNI.”
“I was born in Spain, and became an American citizen. I hold both nationalities.”
Conclusion
The conversation reveals a nuanced understanding of maintaining Spanish citizenship while acquiring American citizenship. Despite the oath of allegiance’s language during the US citizenship ceremony, many individuals report successfully holding dual citizenship.
These insights provide valuable guidance for those navigating the complexities of dual citizenship, suggesting that with the right steps, one can enjoy the benefits of both Spanish and American national identities.
