The United States government has published updated guidelines detailing how an individual can lose their American citizenship. The official USAGov portal outlines five major acts that can lead to involuntary loss of citizenship, alongside a voluntary renunciation process. This update is highly relevant to dual citizens, including Nigerian-Americans, who must navigate the laws of both countries carefully.
How a US Passport Holder Could Lose Citizenship
According to the official United States government portal, there are specific conditions under which a person, both born and naturalised, can lose their US citizenship. Whether through voluntary renunciation or involuntary relinquishment due to specific actions, here are the six updated ways individuals can lose their American citizenship under US law:
- Running for Public Office in a Foreign Country
- Entering Military Service in a Foreign Country
- Applying for Foreign Citizenship with the Intent to Relinquish US Status
- Committing an Act of Treason Against the United States
- Denaturalisation Due to Committing Certain Crimes
- Voluntarily Renouncing US Citizenship
Unlike the other five methods, which can be involuntary or triggered by specific actions, the last method is a fully voluntary process.
What Happens After Losing US Citizenship?
A US citizen who wishes to give up their passport must: live outside the United States, contact a US embassy or consulate in the foreign country where they intend to reside, and formally sign an oath of renunciation before a US consular or diplomatic officer. According to the US government, once an individual loses or renounces their citizenship, they immediately lose the rights and responsibilities of being a US citizen. However, the US government highlighted the following crucial consequences:
- No longer have rights and responsibilities as a US citizen, but may still be subject to tax payments and eligible for Social Security benefits
- Must become a citizen of another nation or risk becoming 'stateless'
- May need a visa to return to the US
US Releases New Update for Dual Citizens
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the US government requires all dual national citizens, including children, to enter and exit the country using a valid US passport. Dual nationals who apply for an ESTA using a foreign passport risk having the authorisation denied or cancelled by the Department of Homeland Security.
