How U.S. Citizens Can Lose Their Citizenship: A Guide for Naturalized and Born Citizens

This guide explores the most common scenarios in which U.S. citizens may lose their citizenship. Whether you were born in the U.S., acquired citizenship through naturalization, or inherited it, there are several scenarios where you might lose your citizenship. Let us break down these situations, so you understand the risks and what you can do to protect your citizenship. 

LaToya McBean Pompy immigrated to the United States herself. Her experience sparked an interest in helping many families unite in the U.S. by founding McBean Law. If you or a loved one need assistance with a visa, reach out to us today. Contact us here or call (914) 898-9488 to schedule a private consultation with LaToya and her team of experienced immigration attorneys, who are here to guide you every step of the way. 

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1. Renunciation: Voluntarily Giving Up Your Citizenship 

The most common way people lose their U.S. citizenship is through renunciation. This happens when a citizen voluntarily gives up their citizenship rights. 
Renunciation is a serious decision that involves visiting a U.S. embassy, filling out paperwork, and paying a hefty fee of $2,350. Once you renounce your citizenship, it is permanent, and in extremely rare cases it cannot be regained. So before making this choice, it is important to fully understand the consequences. 

A common motivation for renunciation is relocating to another country to reduce tax liabilities under U.S. law. However, this is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Consulting with an experienced immigration lawyer is strongly recommended before taking any steps toward renunciation. 

2. Sedition or Espionage: Committing Acts Against the U.S. Government 

Another rare way for someone to lose their U.S. citizenship is by committing acts of sedition or espionage. This involves trying to overthrow the U.S. government or engaging in activities that threaten national security, such as giving aid to the enemies of the U.S. 

Treason, as defined by U.S. law, is one of the most extreme forms of sedition—it includes waging war against the country or aiding its enemies. 

3. Serving in a Foreign Military or Government 

If you voluntarily serve in a foreign military or government, particularly one that conflicts with the U.S., this can be grounds for losing your citizenship. This process is known as expatriation. However, simply serving in a foreign army does not automatically lead to citizenship loss. 

The key factor is whether you have sworn allegiance to a foreign nation that is in direct conflict with the U.S. If so, the government may see it as an intention to relinquish your U.S. citizenship. 

4. Conviction of Certain Federal Offenses 

Conviction of certain federal crimes can also result in loss of citizenship. While not all federal convictions result in de-naturalization, crimes involving dishonesty, terrorism, or narcotics trafficking may. 

For instance, if you are convicted of terrorism, war crimes, or drug trafficking, the government could strip you of your citizenship. However, de-naturalization on these grounds is extremely difficult to achieve, as the U.S. legal system typically errs on the side of fairness. 

5. Dual Citizenship with the Intent to Relinquish U.S. Citizenship 

Having dual citizenship does not automatically lead to the loss of U.S. citizenship. However, problems may arise if you take an oath of allegiance in another country during the naturalization process that involves relinquishing your U.S. citizenship. 

This complex issue does not apply to all dual citizens, but swearing allegiance to another country may signal an intent to relinquish U.S. citizenship. So, it is important to know the requirements of the other country’s citizenship process before pursuing it. 

How Can You Keep Your U.S. Citizenship? 

Now that we have covered the many ways one can lose their citizenship, let us talk about how to maintain it: 

1. Avoid Committing Acts of Treason or Sedition: This one is straightforward—do not try to overthrow the U.S. government. 

2. Be Cautious During the Dual Citizenship Process: If you are considering dual citizenship, make sure you understand the requirements and implications of the other country’s citizenship process. 

3. Do not Serve in a Foreign Army or Government That Conflicts with the U.S.: Stay clear of foreign armies, especially if they are at odds with U.S. interests. 

4. Avoid Serious Legal Trouble: Stay on the right side of the law—particularly regarding terrorism, drug trafficking, and other serious crimes. 

5. Remember, Renunciation is Permanent: If you choose to renounce your citizenship, it is an irreversible decision. 

Protecting Your U.S. Citizenship 

U.S. citizenship is integral to your identity and legal rights. While the risk of losing it may appear remote, understanding the scenarios that could jeopardize your citizenship is crucial. Whether through renunciation, criminal acts, or even issues with dual citizenship, there are several ways one could lose their status as a U.S. citizen. 

If you are uncertain about your citizenship status or have concerns about potential denaturalization, do not hesitate to seek professional legal advice and watch Attorney LaToya McBean Pompy’s Youtube video to know more about denaturalization. 

Protecting your rights and understanding the laws that govern your citizenship can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Stay informed, stay protected, and always make decisions about your citizenship with the guidance of an experienced immigration lawyer. 

Work with an Immigration Lawyer 

Navigating immigration law requires attention to detail. If you are facing doubts from immigration officers or want to ensure your case is as strong as possible, consider working with an experienced immigration attorney. At McBean Law, we are committed to helping clients achieve their immigration goals. Let us help you build a compelling case that stands up to scrutiny and moves you closer to your American dream. 

Do not let doubts derail your immigration journey. Reach out to a qualified immigration lawyer today and take the first step toward resolving your immigration concerns with confidence.