What to do if I’m an Iraqi who acquired Canadian citizenship but then got married to a US citizen, came to live here and now want US citizenship?

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What to do if I’m an Iraqi who acquired Canadian citizenship but then got married to a US citizen, came to live here and now want US citizenship?

I have been residing here for the last 5 years. Can I be a US citizen with 2 other nationalities of should I drop one? If so can I renounce my birth nationality instead of the Canadian?

Asked on October 21, 2014 under Immigration Law, California

Answers:

SB Member California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 9 years ago | Contributor

Before you are eligible for US citizenship, you have to be a green card holder for at least 3 years, if married to a US citizen.  So, your first step would be for your US citizen spouse to petition for your green card, if you have not already started that process.  As far as citizenship is concerned, you are permitted to have multiple citizenships if the other countries of which you are a citizen allow it.  The US does not care; it only considers you as a US citizen.  Canada does not mind either; As for Iraq, you will need to find out from that government.


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