Dual Citizenship (Nationality) . . .

[Dan]

Is now accepted by the United States government (didn't used to be), but many other governments do NOT allow it - Ukraine being among them.

Following is a link from the City University of New York that offers some guidance as to which countries will, and which countries will not, allow their citizens to also be citizens of another country -- http://www.cuny.edu/citizen/guide01/dual_citizen.html

You may find this article (http://www.csdr.org/94Book/Vassylenko.htm) to be of some interest in explaining Ukraine resistance to acceptance of the concept of dual nationality.

One of the posts below associated this reluctance to "nationalism" - but I think it is more of a pragmatism borne of security and independence needs. Let's not forget Ukraine's extensive history of oppression at the hands of others - and their recent domination by their northern neighbor. They have more reason than most to be conservative and cautious about throwing the doors open to a practice that could potentially undermine an already fragile independence.

Just FYI

- Dan

[Apk1]

... in response to Dual Citizenship (Nationality) . . ., posted by Dan on Jun 19, 2002

Well, I give up...the list for and against do not indicate Russia. My wife says yes...dual citizenship allowed, but I do not have a source of information to know for sure...
I was quoting her phrase by the way...Nationalism..

[Charles]

... in response to Re: Dual Citizenship (Nationality) . . ., posted by Apk1 on Jun 20, 2002

I stand corrected from my earlier post below which suggested that Russia did not allow dual citizenship like Ukraine.  I guess it pays not to overgeneralize.  It appears that Russia does recognize dual citizenship and will allow you to hold both a U.S. and Russian passport.  See the U.S. State Department Advisory on travel to Russia.

[Apk1]

... in response to Re: Russia permits Dual Citizenship (Nat..., posted by Charles on Jun 20, 2002

n/t

[Charles]

... in response to Do you have a link to state dept. web si..., posted by Apk1 on Jun 20, 2002

Not off the top of my head.  Just do a search for U.S. State Department and you get the general website and follow the links to Consular INformation and Travel Advisories and look up Russia.

[Bobby Orr]

... in response to Re: Dual Citizenship (Nationality) . . ., posted by Apk1 on Jun 20, 2002

I met a Ukrainian guy who has been here for 7 years and is a dual citizen on one flight over and a Russian girl who has been here for 10 years who is a dual citizen on another flight.  I spoke with the Ukrainian guy extensively about it and the key is paying off the right people.  Ditto with the Russian lady.

[Dan]

... in response to Re: Re: Dual Citizenship (Nationality) ...., posted by Bobby Orr on Jun 20, 2002

And I don't know how the Ukrainian authorities would know that one of their citizens has taken the citizenship of another country. Assuming they do NOT know, then that person could continue to hold their Ukrainian passport until it expired. At that point, things could become messy I suppose - although even then, it would be simple enough to just carry on the charade and seek a renewal.

I just don't know enough right now about the citizenship processes and how (if at all) information is communicated back and forth between the respective countries involved.

- Dan

[Charles]

... in response to Interesting - I've Thought About the Log..., posted by Dan on Jun 20, 2002

Dan, I think it would not be worth attempting this charade.  Her Ukrainian passport that she will seek to renew will have her K-1 visa on it along with an I-551 stamp regarding permanent residency in the U.S.  It's probably not worth the risk of alienating the Ukrainian authorities, who, as you point out, are jealous of their nationalism.  Even if you bribe the official who takes your paperwork, who's to say someone else might not pick up on it and cause you a world of hurt.

[Apk1]

... in response to Interesting - I've Thought About the Log..., posted by Dan on Jun 20, 2002

I guess someone from Russia could fake it for a while if the U.S. govn't does not ask for them to surrender thier Russian passport when becoming a citizen. My wife tells me that she needs to re-new her passport when she turns 45...and that will happen "before" she will become a citizen here, so it is my guess in her case it is a moot point...as long as her Russian passport is not confiscated while trying to go back to Moscow. With both passports she can travel in either direction without hassle or visa requirements...which brings up another question:

Someone told me that if you are married to a Russian citizen, then you can travel with them without a visa. I do not see where that info is anywhere, my wife says no...I would need a visa in anycase. Does anyone know ?

[Apk1]

... in response to Dual Citizenship (Nationality) . . ., posted by Dan on Jun 19, 2002

Well, I give up...the list for and against do not indicate Russia. My wife says yes...dual citizenship allowed, but I do not have a source of information to know for sure...
I was quoting her phrase by the way...Nationalism..