Children to choose between citizenships?

[nnugteren]

Hi there,

I am an American citizen (born in US) but have lived abroad (Netherlands) for most of my life. My wife and children were born in The Netherlands and therefore have Dutch citizenship, derived at birth.

We (the whole family) recently moved to the US where we all live now. It is my understanding that my children automatically derived US citizenship when they received their green cards, through the fact that one parent (in this case me) is an American citizen. Given this, my wife and I plan to apply for US passports for my children.

My question is this: I think I remember someone telling me that my children will be required to choose between their Dutch and US citizenship at some point. Is this true?

(I realize that I will also need to ask to his question somewhere else to understand the Dutch legalities of the situation - my question here is purely from a US legal point of view).

Thanks!!

 

[Vorpal]

U.S. allows dual citizenship and will not make your children renounce their Dutch citizenship. Netherlands, on the other hand, has very complex laws when it comes to dual citizenship. I did a quick search and found this Wikipedia article that may point you in the right direction:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_nationality_law#By_acquisition_of_another_citizenship

 

[cafeconleche]

I've heard that if your kids live in the US for 5 years before they turn 18, they won't have to choose.

 

[nnugteren]

U.S. allows dual citizenship and will not make your children renounce their Dutch citizenship. Netherlands, on the other hand, has very complex laws when it comes to dual citizenship. I did a quick search and found this Wikipedia article that may point you in the right direction:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_nationality_law#By_acquisition_of_another_citizenship

Thanks - this is very useful!

 

[nnugteren]

I've heard that if your kids live in the US for 5 years before they turn 18, they won't have to choose.

Thanks!

 

[Jackolantern]

I've heard that if your kids live in the US for 5 years before they turn 18, they won't have to choose.

Many of those "I have heard" things about immigration and citizenship are either blatantly false, or there are other important conditions involved.