Dual nationality in the United States (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The statutory naturalisation oath requires applicants to renounce all allegiance to any foreign state. A US national loses nationality by obtaining a foreign naturalisation only if the act is voluntary and done with the intention of relinquishing US nationality.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Naturalisation: giving up the previous nationalityNationality rules | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Naturalisation: exceptions to giving up the previous nationalityNationality rules | Every applicant takes an oath to renounce and abjure absolutely and entirely all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign state of which they were a subject or citizen. The oath may be modified for religious or conscientious reasons (affirmation, no bearing of arms) and may be waived for an applicant who cannot understand it because of a disability or impairment. An applicant with a hereditary title or noble rank must also renounce it. [1] |
| Voluntarily acquiring a foreign nationalityNationality rules | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Loss of nationality on acquiring a foreign nationality: detailsNationality rules | A US national, by birth or naturalisation, loses nationality by obtaining naturalisation in a foreign state on their own application after the age of 18 only if they do so voluntarily and with the intention of relinquishing US nationality. The person claiming that loss occurred must prove it by a preponderance of the evidence; the act is presumed voluntary, and the presumption can be rebutted. [2] |
Notes
- The statute requires an oath to renounce all allegiance to any foreign state, but it does not say that the applicant must lose their other nationality. The Department of State and USCIS guidance pages could not be read from this server, so the classification is left to verify.
- Loss depends on the person's voluntary act and intention to relinquish US nationality, not on the foreign acquisition alone; this does not match the available values, so it is left to verify.
Sources
- govinfo.gov (US Government Publishing Office): 8 U.S.C. 1448 - Oath of renunciation and allegiance (United States Code, 2023 Edition) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- govinfo.gov (US Government Publishing Office): 8 U.S.C. 1481 - Loss of nationality by native-born or naturalized citizen; voluntary action; burden of proof; presumptions (United States Code, 2023 Edition) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.