Dual Citizenship-India and US

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2B1Citizen

Registered Users (C)
Hi:
I expect to get my citizenship later this year.
I was wondering, does India allow dual citizenship?

In other words, can I travel to India on an Indian passport and return to US on an American passport?

During my last trip to India, on 1/18/04, on entry the Indian Immigration specifically asked for my Green Card in addition to the Indian passport . They then scannned my Green Card through a card reader (I am assuming that they did this to make sure I didn't have dual citizenship) .

Please advise on the latest laws concerning dual citizenship.
Thanks.
 
Originally posted by 2B1Citizen
Hi:
I expect to get my citizenship later this year.
I was wondering, does India allow dual citizenship?

In other words, can I travel to India on an Indian passport and return to US on an American passport?

During my last trip to India, on 1/18/04, on entry the Indian Immigration specifically asked for my Green Card in addition to the Indian passport . They then scannned my Green Card through a card reader (I am assuming that they did this to make sure I didn't have dual citizenship) .

Please advise on the latest laws concerning dual citizenship.
Thanks.
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Usually in India as you are leaving, immigration officials check your visa to the country of destination. I am not sure why they do so upon entry into India.
Dual citizenship in india is still under the formulation of rules and regulations stage but from what I have heard so far is not automatic, i.e. one has to apply for Indian citizenship after acquiring foreign citizenship. One automatically loses Indian citizenship upon acquiring a foreign citizenship. The new law allows you to re-gain that lost citizenship if you qualify.
 
Originally posted by 2B1Citizen

During my last trip to India, on 1/18/04, on entry the Indian Immigration specifically asked for my Green Card in addition to the Indian passport . They then scannned my Green Card through a card reader (I am assuming that they did this to make sure I didn't have dual citizenship) .
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Just curious - If you had a green card, the official must certainly know that you are not a US citizen....

I am not sure why they asked for the green card on entry.....maybe the immigration dude in India is a trainee....:D
 
The the best of my knowledge, India is still drafting the regulations on dual citizenship. But US does not really have the provisions of dual citizenship, it did turn a blind eye before, but post 9/11 nothing can be taken for granted.

001
 
The the best of my knowledge, India is still drafting the regulations on dual citizenship.
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think still they are groping with the oath of allegiance question. They are concerned with the adverse impact of acquiring the indian passport (dual) on the existing citizenship. They are particularly concerned with the oath part (JoeF: Please spare me this time). They don't want us to loose/diminish the existing US (or any other country) citizenship.
I think I will stick with PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card for the time being.
There is an article in "India Abroad" this week.
 
Originally posted by chanakya101
I think I will stick with PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card for the time being.
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Well....same here...i think i am going to stick with a PIO or just a 10 year mutiple entry visa (for all practical purposes I am still considered a Non Resident Indian (NRI). :D
 
How would this scenario work out:
Imagine you have dual citizenship (US & Indian), and are travelling to Indiawithin the next 6-12 months. Would you have to apply for an Indian visa on the US passport? Or can you travel with both passports and use the indian passport for entry to India.

This scenario may play out for me and a couple of friends soon-has any one gone through this experience? Any feedback appreciated.
 
Originally posted by 2B1Citizen
How would this scenario work out:
Imagine you have dual citizenship (US & Indian), and are travelling to Indiawithin the next 6-12 months. Would you have to apply for an Indian visa on the US passport? Or can you travel with both passports and use the indian passport for entry to India.

This scenario may play out for me and a couple of friends soon-has any one gone through this experience? Any feedback appreciated.
Click to expand...

I would highly recommend that you apply for an Indian Visa for your US passport. It is your responsibility to surrender your Indian passport to the nearest Indian Mission, after you become a USC (they will just cancel your passport and return it back to you). :D
 
Technically you can use both passports. However, if you enter India using Indian passport, you will be considered as an Indian citizen during your stay by both government. In case something happens, US consulate has no right or reason to protect/help you.
 
No. They have a duty to help US citizens. And he is one. Period. It does not matter for US officials what the Indian government thinks.
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A word of caution to all my Indian friends.
After dealing with INS for so long I don't think this type of arguments are going to help us. It is what the US consulate officer thinks only matters.

Please note the following:
1. Indian Dual citizenship is some time far into the future. Don't think about the scenarios of having 2 passports and using them while entering India and USA
2. The proposed dual citizenship is not much more than PIO card.
3. Having divided loyalties always leads to problems (He who has choices has troubles : Confucius)
So stick with PIO for the time being
 
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