A long history of diplomatic and socio-cultural relations shares the US and the Philippines. Although the Philippine-American war was a tragic event at the end of the 19th century, it is essential to bear in mind that the Philippine Islands once formed the territory of the US and, later, a Commonwealth until it became a nation independent after the Second World War. Relations between the two countries have since been strengthened, extending to the concept of dual citizenship. Can I be a dual citizen of US and Philippines? Let’s answer your question.
What does RA 9225 mean?
Republic Act No. 9225 states that natural-born Philippine citizens who are citizens of another country are considered to have not lost their Philippine citizenship. It is also known as the 2003 Citizenship Retention and Requirement Act.
Who is eligible for Dual Citizenship?
Natural Philippine citizens who acquired foreign nationality through naturalization are eligible for dual citizenship. RA 9225 does not apply at the time of birth to dual citizens, i.e., children born in the USA when any parent was still a citizen of the Philippines. When the child was born in the Philippine Consulate Embassy, the child is considered a dual citizen from birth.
The Philippines’ natural citizens are Philippine citizens from their birth without any act to acquire or complete their Philippine nationality. An ex-natural citizen born in the Philippines must submit an NSO-authenticated copy of its birth certificate.
A copy of the Birth Report, issued by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate and, where applicable, the original copy of the Birth Certificate by the competent foreign authorities, shall be presented to the former natural-born citizen, who was born outside the Philippines.
Can I Be A Dual Citizen Of US And Philippines: Filipinos Born Outside Of The Philippines
The aforementioned Republic Act respects a few legal principles incorporated into its legislation in many countries worldwide: jus soli and jus sanguinis. Let’s say that a Philippine-born in Mindanao joined the United States.
This sailor automatically became a Philippine citizen by way of birthright under the jus soli principle. It merely needs to be obtained copies of her birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority, which has an online service platform known as PSA Serbile.
A certified copy of the birth certificate allows a Philippine to ask the consulate abroad or the Immigration Office in Manila or its branches across the islands for national identification documents. As of 2018, the processing costs were $50, and copy certification was $25.
The jus sanguinis principle applies to persons born to Filipino parents in foreign countries, making them Filipino-born. For Filipinos born in the United States, the laws of both countries permit dual citizenship, which means that they don’t have to worry about it either. Still, the process involves something more than the birthright of the Filipinos.
Can I Be A Dual Citizen Of US And Philippines: Americans Who Want To Become Filipino Citizens
Foreigners whose nationalities do not comply with the principles of jus soli or jus sanguinis can become citizens of the Philippines through the naturalization process. To that end, not many Americans without Filipino blood relations become naturalized citizens in the Philippines, although thousands of Americans choose to live and retire.
An American who becomes a naturalized Filipino citizen is not automatically off the hook about US obligations, especially taxes. The right way to break ties with the US is through renouncing, which is complex and must be managed in the US State Department. Americans who give up their nationality are typically very wealthy and have a financial interest in tax avoidance abroad.
What is the dual citizenship fee?
The fee for processing is US$ 50.00 (not reimbursable). Furthermore, there is a requirement of US$ 25.00 for each qualified recipient. Payment shall be made in cash, bank draft, or money order payable to the Chicago Philippine General Consulate.
Once the Consulate General has received the petition and supporting documents, the request will be assessed, and the decision and schedule of your oath will be contacted and informed.
In the event of requests that do not satisfy the requirements, the applicant must be notified that the required documents must be submitted within thirty (30) days of receipt of the request. Otherwise, the petition shall not be dealt with favorably. Once you have been granted/kept Philippine citizenship, you will again enjoy full civil, economic, and political rights.
Can I Be A Dual Citizen Of US And Philippines: Filipinos Who Want To Become American Citizens
If you were not born in the US and would like to become a US citizen, there are many dual citizenship requirements. Moreover, the criteria for citizenship in the United States may differ for persons. It depends on their circumstances and their country of residence.
In general, you must be a permanent resident of the U. S. to apply for US citizenship – and have a permanent (green) card – continuous for five years (or three years if you are registering as a wife of a US citizen). Other eligibility requirements include at least 18 years of age when applying and reading, writing, and speaking basic English.
You must also pay a fee to apply for a permanent residence and a further fee to submit a citizenship application. The cost depends on which application you use and your category of filing. The United States Homeland Security Department fixes this fee.
For most people, a lawyer on immigration requires help in the complicated process of gaining citizenship. Immigration lawyers can help people achieve citizenship, but also require fees for their services. Most individuals are file 1-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence, or Adjustment Status for permanent residency applications. Most individuals apply for naturalization file form N-400, a naturalization application.
In some cases, American and Philippine immigration laws permit dual citizenship. One example is the Philippines who served in the United States.
The Navy is a branch that has brought many sailors in the Philippines to the Subic Bay Naval Base, operating since 1992, and serving as a recruiting station of its kind.
Filipino sailors were once concerned that their citizenship would have been lost if they had opted to become naturalized Americans. Yet, it was changed in 2003 when the Republic Act 9225 was enacted.
Can I Be A Dual Citizen Of US And Philippines: The Benefits
The benefits and privileges offered by each country where they are citizens can be accorded to dual citizens. For instance, they can access two social services systems. They can also vote in each country and run in either state for office (if the law allows). Also, they can work in either country without a work permit or visa. They can attend school in either country at the tuition rate available to citizens instead of the international tuition rate.
Two Passports
You are permitted to carry passports from both countries as a dual citizen. For example, if you are an American citizen and a Philippine citizen, you can travel between the two countries more easily. The passport of a citizen eliminates the need for visas for extended stays and any questions about your trip’s purpose during the customs process.
It also guarantees the right of entry for persons with two passports to both the US and the Philippines. Moreover, it can be particularly useful if you have a family to visit in both countries. It can also benefit you if you are a student or businessman studying or doing business in the two countries.
Ownership of Property
The ability to own property in either country is another benefit of dual citizenship. Some countries restrict ownership of land only to citizens. You would be able to buy property in either state or both, as a legal citizen of two countries. This could be particularly useful if you frequently travel between the two countries. A dual citizenship can offer a more affordable way to live in two places.
Education in Culture
As a dual citizen, you will benefit from being immersed in two countries’ cultures. Some government officials also like dual citizenship and see it as a means of promoting the image of the country as a primary tourist destination. Dual citizenship allows people to learn about the history of both countries, learn two or more languages, and experience different ways of life.
Opportunities for Business
Another advantage of dual citizenship is that it can offer business opportunities only for citizens. In some countries, specific investments and jobs may be restricted to citizens. In the United States, only US citizens have some government employment opportunities. According to the Economic Value of Citizenship for Immigrants Report from the Migration Policy Institute, naturalized US citizens earn between 50 and 70% more than non-citizens.
Dual citizens can double their profits, including their ability to live and work in two countries. It provides more carefree freedom to travel between countries and can open the door for ownership of property and business opportunities. On the other hand, some disadvantages may arise. Double taxation is the most important.
Final Words
Dual citizenship can be complicated, as citizenship rules and laws vary from country to country. That’s because every country has its unique legislation on immigration and taxation. How you and your family are affected by this legislation is unique to your situation.
I have a question regarding my daughter’s dual citizenship. She’s a minor, and was born in the Philippines to “both” Filipino citizen parents. When my husband naturalized as a US citizen, she also automatically became a US citizen. Now, as per the instruction of Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles, it says — “For those applying with derivative dual citizenship (in which case is my daughter), only children below 18 years old and born after the former natural born Filipino parent/s acquired foreign citizenship may qualify for derivative dual citizenship.” When my husband applied for his dual citizenship today, he was told that he also needs to include my daughter in his application as a derivative. It’s confusing because technically, my daughter is a “dual citizen by birth” and all we need to do in order for her to be issued a passport is have her Birth Certificate issued by the PSA. Please enlighten me. Thank you!
Good day,
I am researching how to gain dual citizenship for my children. Their mother is Filipino, now naturalized U.S. citizen, and I am a U.S. born citizen. Is there any information on the web that I can obtain more guidance on how or if this is possible? Thank you.