MANILA — The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC clarified that the United States continues to allow dual citizenship, dispelling recent online rumors that holding one could endanger an individual’s American citizenship.

The embassy addressed circulating claims that the US would impose new restrictions or demand renunciation amid its intensified immigration enforcement.

“The United States continues to allow dual citizenship, and there have been no changes to this policy,” the embassy said in a statement.
“Don’t let misinformation stop you from becoming a dual citizen. Apply at the Philippine Embassy or Consulates in the United States.”

The announcement came as the embassy welcomed 15 new dual citizens at the chancery on Friday. These individuals had lost their Philippine citizenship after naturalization as US citizens.

Filipinos who lost their Philippine citizenship through US naturalization may still apply to reacquire it under Republic Act 9225. Those born in the United States to at least one Filipino parent are considered dual Filipino-American citizens at birth and are advised to report their birth to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.

The embassy also noted that Filipinos who voluntarily renounce their Philippine citizenship cannot later reacquire it, as such action is considered irreversible under the law.

While a bill proposing an end to dual citizenship is currently pending in the US Senate, the embassy emphasized that the measure would undergo several stages of deliberation and may or may not proceed, depending on Congress.

The embassy cited a longstanding legal precedent, noting that as early as 1952, the US Supreme Court recognized dual citizenship as a lawful status.

“A person may have and exercise rights of nationality in two countries and be subject to the responsibilities of both. The mere fact he asserts the rights of one citizenship does not mean that he renounces the other” (Kawakita v US, 343 US 717).

Filipinos seeking dual citizenship are encouraged to apply through Philippine diplomatic missions in the United States.