Job Discussion Forums

[wildnfree]

Hi all,

I will go to latin America next year around August. I have never been and would lie to now a few things I hope someone could assist. Ta.

I have heard it is easy to get citizenship in Peru, as dual citizenship is allowed. After two years of continous residency you are elligible. Has anyone actually got it that way? Is it is easy as it sounds? Personally I prefer Ecuador, as I have family friends who reside there. However Ecuador, from what I have heard, is very hard to obtain it. And you need to reside for several years...??? Does anyone Know if this is the truth? Or where I can obtain the info I need?

And what are the major differences between the two countries that visitors got from them?

ThanKs alot!
Wildnfree

[Justin Trullinger]

Dear Wildnfree-
Before anybody can offer much help, they're going to need more info. For example, what do you want to do there? What kind of training, backing, connections, etc do you have? How long do you want to stay? Where are you from? (While a fair few South American countries allow dual nationality, does the country you're from allow this?)

Whether or not citizenship can be obtained after a certain period of residency generally depends on the conditions under which you were resident in the first place.

Finally, with regards to Ecuador, I'd take EVERYTHING you hear right now with a grain of salt. A lot of people post here about what their experience was a few years ago. But here in Ecuador, things change very quickly.

Regards,
Justin

[Aramas]

ARGENTINA

CITIZENSHIP: (IPE) Argentine citizenship is based upon Argentine Citizenship Law #346.

BY BIRTH:

- Child born in the territory of the Republic of Argentina, except to accredited ministers of foreign powers registered in Argentina.

- Child born in Argentine Legations or warship.

- Child born in neutral waters on ships flying the Argentine flag.

BY DESCENT: Child born abroad to parents, both of whom are Argentine citizens.

BY NATURALIZATION: Argentine citizenship can be applied for in two ways:

- Person must reside within the Republic for at least two years.

- Person must have married an Argentine citizen. (This does not automatically confer citizenship, and spouse must still fulfill the two year residency requirement.)

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED.

Exception: Two groups are recognized as dual citizens. The first are children (18 and under), born abroad, who acquire citizenship of birth country. Upon reaching maturity at age 18, however, a declaration of allegiance must be made to one country. Also, citizens of Spain can hold dual citizenship per agreement with Argentina.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Per Argentine consular office, citizenship can only be renounced in the capital, Buenos Aires. Papers must be signed at the police station and then the individual must appear before a judge where the renunciation must be accepted by the Argentine government.

INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of Argentine citizenship:

- Person acquires other foreign citizenship, and does not fall under the protected categories listed under "Dual Citizenship."

- Person accepts employment or honors from a foreign government without Congress' permission.

- Person commits fraudulent bankruptcy or has an infamous sentence passed against them.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be sent to the address below:

The Embassy of the Argentine Republic
Consular Section
1600 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20009

Embassy Telephone: 202-238-6400
Consular Telephone: 202-238-6460/63/64
Fax: 202-238-6471


BOLIVIA

CITIZENSHIP: (IPE) Information on the basis for Bolivian citizenship laws was not available.

BY BIRTH: Children born within the territory of Bolivia, regardless of the nationality of the parents. The only exception to this rule are children born to parents in the service of their own governments.

BY DESCENT: Child born abroad to either a Bolivian mother or father are granted citizenship either by returning to live in Bolivia, or by being registered at a consulate.

BY NATURALIZATION: Bolivian citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of various conditions:

- Persons with no ties to Bolivia may obtain citizenship after residing in the country for at least two years.

- Foreign woman, married to a Bolivian citizen, acquires her husband's citizenship as long as she lives in the country and expresses her agreement. This nationality is not lost even through widowhood or divorce.

- Persons who have Bolivian spouses or had children born in Bolivia need only to reside in country for one year.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED.

Exception: Bolivian woman, married to a foreigner is not required to relinquish her Bolivian citizenship even if she acquires her husband's citizenship through their marriage.

Former citizens of Spain and other Latin American countries, who become naturalized Bolivians, are not required to relinquish their previous citizenship as long as Bolivia has a reciprocal agreement with their former countries. NO AGREEMENT WITH UNITED STATES.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Letters of voluntary renunciation of Bolivian citizenship may be sent to the nearest Bolivian embassy.

INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of Bolivian citizenship:

- Person aids the enemy of Bolivia during time of war.

- Person accepts a foreign government job without Senate approval.

- Person acquires the citizenship of a foreign county that does not have a reciprocal dual citizenship agreement with Bolivia.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be sent to the address below:

Embassy of Bolivia
Consular Section
3014 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008

Embassy Telephone: 202-483-4410/11/12
Consular Telephone: 202-232-4828
Fax: 202-328-3712


BRAZIL

CITIZENSHIP: (IPE) Brazilian citizenship is regulated by Law #818 of September 18, 1949 and amended by Decree Law # 961 of October 13, 1969, and Constitutional Amendment no. 3 of June 6, 1994.

BY BIRTH: Child born in Brazil regardless of the nationality of the parents.

BY DESCENT: Child born outside of the territory of Brazil, at least one of whose parents is a citizen of Brazil.

All children born abroad to Brazilian parents are advised to be registered in the nearest Consular Office. Children born abroad to Brazilian parents, in practice can hold dual citizenship at any time, when he (she) resides in Brazil they are considered Brazilian citizens.

BY NATURALIZATION: Brazilian citizenship can be acquired by fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has lived within the country for at least 5 years. Marriage to a Brazilian national does not automatically confer citizenship, the law does reduce the proof of residence in the country for foreigners married to Brazilian citizens.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of Brazilian citizenship requires the presentation of the person's Brazilian birth certificate and certificate of naturalization for new citizenship to the local Brazilian consulate in that country, or the nearest one available. The process takes 6 months to one year to be finalized.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be sent to the address below:

The Embassy of Brazil
Consular Section
3009 Whitehaven Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008

Embassy Telephone: 202-238-2700
Consulate Telephone: 202-238-2828
Fax: 202-238-2818/2827
Web site: www.brasilemb.org


CHILE

CITIZENSHIP: (HCE) Information on the basis for Chilean citizenship law was not available.

BY BIRTH: Child born in the territory of Chile, regardless of the nationality of the parents. The exceptions are children of foreign diplomats or of transient foreigners.

BY DESCENT: Child born abroad, at least one of whose parents is a citizen of Chile, provided the person establishes a residence in Chile before the age of 21.

BY NATURALIZATION: Chilean citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions:

- Person has resided in the country for at least five years.

- Person has shown proof of renunciation of previous citizenship.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED.

Exception:

- Chile has a dual citizenship agreement with the country of Spain.

- Child born abroad to Chilean parents, who obtains citizenship of country of birth, may retain dual citizenship until the age of majority (21). Upon reaching the age of majority, person must choose which citizenship to retain.

- Persons, working or living abroad, who must acquire a foreign citizenship as a condition of remaining legally in that country.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of citizenship is permitted by law. No paperwork is necessary, but the person must notify the embassy, show proof of new citizenship and turn in Chilean passport.

INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of Chilean citizenship:

- Person voluntarily obtains foreign citizenship.

- Person gives aid and comfort to wartime enemies of Chile.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be sent to the address below:

Embassy of Chile
Consular Section
1732 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20036

Embassy/Consular Telephone: 202-785-1746
Fax: 202-887-5579


COLOMBIA

CITIZENSHIP: (HCE) Citizenship is based upon the Constitution of Colombia, dated July 1991, and Citizenship Law No. 43, dated February 1, 1993.

BY BIRTH: Birth within the territory of Colombia does not automatically confer citizenship.

BY DESCENT:

- Child born in Colombia, at least one of whose parents is a citizen of Colombia.

- Child born in Colombia of foreign national parents, provided at least one of the parents is a legal resident of Colombia.

- Child born abroad, at least one of whose parents is a citizen of Colombia and the child later establishes residency in Colombia.

BY NATURALIZATION: The following groups of persons may acquire Colombian citizenship under various conditions:

- Foreign nationals must legally reside in the country for at least five years.

- Certain Latin Americans and Caribbean peoples only need to reside in Colombia for one year.

- Foreign citizens who marry a citizen of Colombia must reside for two years.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: RECOGNIZED.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of Colombian citizenship is permitted by law. Contact the Embassy for details and required paperwork.

INVOLUNTARY: The following is grounds for involuntary loss of Colombian citizenship: Naturalized citizen commits crimes against the existence and security of the State.

Note: A former citizen of Colombia, even after having renounced Colombian citizenship, will be judged and sentenced as a traitor if the person acts against the interests of Colombia in a foreign war.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be sent to the address below:

Embassy of Colombia
Consular Section
1825 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20009

Embassy Telephone: 202-387-8338
Consular Telephone: 202-332-7573
Fax: 202-232-7180


ECUADOR

CITIZENSHIP: (IPE) Information on the basis for Ecuadorian citizenship law is based on the Constitution of Ecuador of 1998.

BY BIRTH: Child is born within the territorial limits of the Republic of Ecuador, regardless of the nationality of the mother or father.

BY DESCENT:

- Child born abroad, of a native born Ecuadorian father or mother, who later becomes resident of the Republic or express the desire to be Ecuadorians.

- Child born abroad, of a native born Ecuadorian father or mother, while either of them carried out an official appointment or was exiled for political reasons, unless he or she expresses a desire to the contrary.

BY NATURALIZATION: Ecuadorian citizenship can be applied for upon fulfillment of one of the following conditions:

- Person obtains naturalization according to the Laws of Ecuador. Marriage to an Ecuadorian national does not automatically grant citizenship, but it does aid in expediting the process.

- Person is granted citizenship by Congress as a reward for important services to the country.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED.

Exception: Dual nationality is recognized between Ecuador and Spain according to treaty between the two countries.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of citizenship can by done through any Ecuadorian embassy abroad. The embassy will report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ecuador, which will register the renunciation in the Civilian Registry. Once it is registered the person will cease to be a citizen of Ecuador.

INVOLUNTARY: The following is grounds for involuntary loss of Ecuadorian citizenship: Person voluntarily acquires foreign citizenship other than Spain.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be sent to the address below:

The Embassy of Ecuador
Consular Section
2335 14th St., NW
Washington, DC 20009

Embassy Telephone: 202-234-7200
Consular Telephone: 202-234-7166
Fax: 202-265-9325
E-Mail: [email protected] or conecuwa@erols


PARAGUAY

CITIZENSHIP: (HCE) Citizenship is based upon the Paraguayan Constitution.

BY BIRTH: Child born within the territory of the Republic of Paraguay, regardless of the nationality of their parents.

BY DESCENT:

- Child born abroad, one of whose parents is a natural-born Paraguayan, and who is in the service of the Republic.

- Child born abroad, one of whose parents is a natural-born Paraguayan, if the child takes up permanent residency in Paraguay and has not exercised rights or complied with obligations inherent in the citizenship of the country of birth.

BY NATURALIZATION: Persons seeking Paraguayan citizenship through naturalization fall into two different categories:

Has Ties to Paraguay: (Must declare intention to become citizen.)

- Child born abroad, one of whose parents is a native-born Paraguayan, but who has exercised rights or complied with obligations required of their country of birth.

- Child born abroad to non-Paraguayan parents, who are in the service of the Republic and have established residency in Paraguay.

No Ties to Paraguay: Must meet the following requirements:

- Must be at least 18 years of age, have resided in Paraguay for at least three years, exhibited good conduct and have continued gainful employment.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: RECOGNIZED. (Only native-born Paraguayans may hold dual citizenship.)

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP: No native-born Paraguayan may be deprived of their citizenship, but may voluntarily relinquish it. Neither marriage, nor the dissolution of a marriage, shall alter the nationality of the spouses or that of their children.

VOLUNTARY: Letters of renunciation may be sent to the nearest Paraguayan Embassy abroad.

INVOLUNTARY: The following are conditions for the involuntary loss of naturalized Paraguayan citizenship:

- Voluntarily acquisition of a foreign citizenship.

- For naturalized citizens, unjustified absence from the country for more than three years.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be sent to the address below:

Embassy of the Republic of Paraguay
Consular Section
2400 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008

Embassy/Consular Telephone: 202-483-6960/61/62
Fax: 202-234-4508


PERU

CITIZENSHIP: (IPE) Citizenship laws are based upon the Constitution of the Peru, dated October 31, 1993 and the Nationality Law No. 26574 dated January 1996.

BY BIRTH:

- Persons born in the territory of the Republic of Peru.

- Person younger than 16 years old, in a state of abandonment that reside in the territory of Peru.

BY DESCENT:

- Child born in the territory of Peru, at least one of whose parents is a citizen of Peru.

- Child born abroad, whose father or mother is a citizen of Peru. The granted right is recognized to the descendants until the third generation.

REGISTRATION:

- Foreign woman or man who marries a citizen of Peru. The spouse naturalized by marriage does not lose Peruvain nationality in the event of divorce or the spouse�s death.

- Person(18 years or older), born in Peru, but whose parents were not citizens of Peru.

- Person (18 years or older), born in wedlock outside of Peru to Peruvian mother or father.

BY NATURALIZATION: Peruvian citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions:

- Person has resided in Peru for two years consecutively.

- Works regularly in a profession, art, occupation, or managerial activity.

- Posses good behavior and moral solvency with no penal antecedents.

- Foreign people who live in the territory of the Republic with distinguished services to the Peruvian Nation may be granted nationality by legislative resolution.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: RECOGNIZED.

Peruvians by birth that adopt the nationality of another country do not lose their Peruvian nationality, unless they express renunciation to it before the competent authority.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP: The acquired Peruvian nationality with arrangement to the Nationality Law No. 26574 is lost for expressed renunciation before the General Address of Migrations or the consular offices overseas and for the following reasons:

- For crimes against the State and the national defense.

- For crimes against the Public Security by illicit traffic of drugs.

- For crimes of terrorism and betrayal of the Nation.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be sent to the address below:

The Embassy of Peru
Consular Section
1625 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20036

Consular Telephone: 202-462-1084 or 1085
Consular Fax: 202-462-1088


URUGUAY

CITIZENSHIP: (HCE) Citizenship laws are based upon the Constitution of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.

BY BIRTH: Child born within the Republic of Uruguay, regardless of the nationality of the parents. Uruguayan law refers to this as natural citizenship.

BY DESCENT: Child born abroad, one of whose parents is a citizen of Uruguay, provided the child is registered in the Civic Register for Vital Records. This is also considered natural citizenship.

BY NATURALIZATION: Uruguayan citizenship may be applied for by persons who are at least 18 years old and fall into one of the categories listed below. Persons gaining citizenship through naturalization are considered legal citizens.

- Person whose family has settled in Uruguay for at least three years, and who practices any art, science or industry in Uruguay.

- Person who does not have family in Uruguay, but has lived in the country for at least five years and practices any art, science or industry in Uruguay.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: RECOGNIZED. (Only for natural citizens. Legal citizens are not allowed to obtain any new citizenship.)

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:

VOLUNTARY: Permitted under Uruguayan law, but not required. Contact nearest Uruguayan Embassy or Consulate for necessary requirements.

INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of legal Uruguayan citizenship:

- Legal citizen voluntarily obtains another citizenship.

- Person is being prosecuted for certain criminal acts which could result in imprisonment, or receives a judicial verdict that imposes penalty of exile, prison or loss of political rights.

- Person takes part in a social or political organization that promotes violence against the Republic of Uruguay.

- Person fails to comply with the good behavior requirements for naturalization.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be sent to the address below:

Consulate of Uruguay
2715 M Street 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20007

Embassy Telephone: 202-331-1313/14/15/16
Consular Telephone: 202-331-4219
Fax: 202-331-8142
E-mail: [email protected]
www.embassy.org/uruguary


VENEZUELA

CITIZENSHIP: (IPE) Citizenship Laws are based upon the Constitution of Venezuela.

BY BIRTH: Child born within the territory of the Republic of Venezuela regardless of the nationality of the parents.

BY DESCENT: Child born abroad, one of whose parents is a citizen of Venezuela, is granted citizenship under the following conditions:

- Before reaching the age of 18, the parents of the child establish residence in Venezuela.

- Before reaching the age of 25, the person must declare an intention to accept Venezuelan nationality.

BY NATURALIZATION: Venezuelan citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has lived continuously in the country for at least five years. (Citizens of Spain/Latin America need less than five years.)

The following are Venezuelans by naturalization whenever they declare their intentions:

- A foreign woman who marries a Venezuelan national.

- A foreign minor (natural born or adopted) of a recently naturalized Venezuelan, provided the child resides in the country and makes a declaration of intent before reaching the age of 25.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED.

Exception: Dual citizenship is recognized until the age of 25, at which time Venezuelan citizenship ceases if the foreign nationality is maintained.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP: Venezuelan woman who marries a foreigner retains her nationality unless she declares her intention to the contrary and, according to the laws of husband's country, acquires his nationality.

Venezuelan nationality by birth is recovered whenever the person who lost it returns to live in Venezuela and declares an intention to recover citizenship. Citizenship may also be recovered by residing in Venezuela for a period of not less than two years.

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary letter of renunciation along with passport may be sent to the nearest Venezuelan Embassy.

INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of Venezuelan citizenship: Person voluntarily obtains new citizenship.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be sent to the address below:

Embassy of the Republic of Venezuela
Consular Section
1099 30th ST., NW
Washington, DC 20007

Embassy/Consular Telephone: 202-342-221
Fax: 202-342-6820

[Justin Trullinger]

Thanks Aramas, that was most thorough.

Would this be a good place to post a question about the advantages of changing citizenship? I am a long term resident in Ecuador, but given the hassles I've seen Ecuadorians go through trying to get visas for foreign travel, would not consider applying for citizenship. What advantages are there to being a citizen instead of merely a legal resident where you are?

Regards,
Justin

[Aramas]

I've wondered about that too. One thing that bothers me is the rash of new laws that cover nationals no matter where they are in the world. At first I thought it was just sex tourism laws (which don't effect me), but I've since found that there are dozens of laws in the US, UK and Australia that apply no matter where you are. The main problem is that I have no idea what they are, and those that I am aware of are so general that they can be applied to anyone at the discretion of any government employee.

As I understand it, the first person to be 'disappeared' under the USA's new terrorism laws was an American citizen, even though the law was specifically aimed at foreign nationals.

The first deportation resulting from Australia's new terrorism laws was of a US peace activist who was found guilty of street theatre and puppetry (secretly, and by 'spooks', of course) They also charged him $11000AUD for a week in our finest privatised concentration camp and a ride to the airport.

I've also recently come across references that seem to indicate that it's a crime for a US citizen to fly on a particular Peruvian airline.

Then there's the recent implementation of police 'shoot-to-kill' powers in the US and Britain (Australia won't be far behind), whereby police are granted the powers of judge, jury and executioner solely on the basis of suspicion. Again, the first victim in Britain was an innocent, and the powers- that-be lied through their collective teeth about it. What happened to 'due process' and the presumption of innocence? I find that utterly appalling, particularly with regard to countries that have no capital punishment.

This is from the DFAT travel advisories page (emphasis mine):
"Some Australian criminal laws, including - but not limited to - those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, have extraterritorial effect. Australians who commit such offences outside of Australia may be prosecuted in Australia for those offences."

Just how the hell are we supposed to keep track of that stuff? I can't even find out what the laws are! The laws that I'm aware of are so broad that a drunken harangue directed at one's government can be prosecuted as 'terrorism', paying a 'fine' to a foreign official in order to avoid unpleasantness can land you in prison back home, as can trying to avoid bizzarre currency regulations by doing one's banking offshore.

Of course the great unwashed are so naive that they still believe that only 'bad people' are targeted by such laws, however, that has not proven to be the case. I resent giving some jumped-up paper-shuffler the power to throw me in prison on a whim.

Those reasons alone are enough for me to want to ditch my Australian citizenship. When one adds in complicity in the mass murder of tens of thousands of women and children and the plunder of their country, the internment of immigrant spouses, visa-overstayers and refugees in concentration camps, the dismantling and privatisation of our health, education and welfare systems, and the astonishing rate of hyper-regulation it becomes even more attractive.

The positives of holding citizenship in a Latin American country are legion. No more visa problems in your country of residence. Reciprocal arrangements with many other LA countries, Spain or Portugal. (eg Venezuelan nationals are entitled to Spanish citizenship after only one year of residence in Spain.) Many LA countries are a backdoor to Spanish (or in the case of Brazil, Portuguese) citizenship, and some even recognise dual citizenship. An EU passport is certainly a desirable travel accessory for the peregrinationally inclined.

In addition to some travel restrictions, the negatives include rather draconian laws, rampant corruption, a history of militant, right-wing dictatorships, truly appallling human rights records, lack of free education and health care, pensions or welfare, among others.

A downside specific to TEFL is that some countries will only hire EFL teachers who are citizens of those countries in which English is the first language.

It's certainly an issue that deserves serious consideration.

Unfortunately, the only foreign citizenship I'm entitled to by ancestory is American. While I would rather stick forks in my eyes than succumb to such a terrible fate, I'm not totally unaware of the somewhat less than delightful irony of my situation.

PS - My apologies for the wordiness of my post, but I have an exam this afternoon, and consequently I'm going to extraordinary lengths to avoid actually doing any work. You wouldn't believe how many DVD's I've watched this week

[wildnfree]

There are many reasons for wanting to aquire a foreign passport. As the poster of this request, i'll explain mine.

Firstly some of the reasons for aquiring a passport are that mainly I want to just feel more 'local'. I live in foreign places with the hope of acceptance and blending in (as much as a 'foreigner' can) and a passport helps feel more connected.

In the event of a war/problems in your own region or country, it is very good to have a second option to stay

Some reasons posted here for aquiring a foreign pp seem a bit hardcore leftist and niave, but each to his own.

[Justin Trullinger]

Aramas,
If you're ever in Ecuador, I'll buy you a drink. Hardcore leftist isn't naive from where I'm sitting. And it would help me avoid doing any work.
The practical problem that I see is that the weird, extraterritorial law situation is not limited to the countries you mention. Ecuador has it's own weird, externally binding laws, so you probably would change, but not avoid, the situation, by changing you citizenship.
The moral point, about separating yourself from the exploitation that first world countries are guilty of, is morally sound, but probably has no impact on the situation. And how much are you willing to inconvenience yourself if it has no real impact? I guess that's why I'm still a US citizen. If I weren't, it would get hard to visit the family, and wouldn't really help anybody. American citizenship, for me, has actually been better than sticking forks in my eyes. But then, what wouldn't be? I wouldn't apply for it if I had been born elsewhere.
But I haven't yet found a country in the world that doesn't have about as many negatives as positives, and so far, I wouldn't consider swearing allegiance to anybody's flag. (Permanent resident alien status is a different matter.)

Take care all,
Justin

[carlos-england]

I was born in England to a Peruvian mother, could
anyone be so kind as to tell me how much Peruvian
citizenship would cost? This is something I would like
to do but can find no information about.

[naturegirl321]

[Ben Round de Bloc]

[MELEE]

I'm considering becoming a Mexican national because 1)I'd never have to set foot in the immigration office again! and 2)my current position as a legal (non immigrant) resident prohibits me from being envolved in politics in extremely vage language. This leaves it open to discression. I made some good suggestions as my last neighborhood meeting--but if someone didn't like them they could probably turn me in for participating in politics. If I march in a demonstration, I could be deported, but as a local homeowner and parent--there are marches I'm interested in supporting.

By the way, when I asked if I had to renounce my US citizenship if I became Mexican, I was told, "Yes, but we don't collect your passport." So would have a hard time knowing that I was also Mexican.

[Ben Round de Bloc]

[Cdaniels]

Passports? Passports? We don't need no stinking passports!

US naturalization oath is given in Section 337(a) of the INA [8 USC � 1448(a)]. Of particular relevance to the dual citizenship issue is that, as part of the oath, a new citizen must pledge "to renounce and abjure absolutely and entirely all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which the applicant was before a subject or citizen."
In practice, it is unclear what if any true legal significance this statement has any more. The US does not require a new citizen to take any formal steps to renounce his old citizenship before officials of the "old country"; and when the other country continues to claim a naturalized US citizen as one of its own, current US policy recognizes that such a person may have to use a passport from the other country in order to visit there, and such an action does not put the person's US citizenship in jeopardy. "
from http://www.richw.org/dualcit/law.html

[Ben Round de Bloc]

An interesting article, Cdaniels, as it pertains to non-US citizens becoming naturalized US citizens and their status of dual citizenship. It doesn't pertain to people like MELEE and myself, who are US citizens seeking dual citizenship in Mexico. Still, as I said, it's an interesting article.

[carlos-england]