Do my kids have to choose citizenship at age 18?

[PromisedLife]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? OK

Here is the scenario and here are the facts:

Both our kids were born in the US.

"Kid 1" was born in the US. Dad is a US citizen by birth, I was a permant legal resident (green card) at the time with Dutch citizenship.

"Kid 2" was born in the US. Dad is a US citizen by birth, I was (am) a dual citizenship at the time, with both American and Dutch citizenship.

By US law, both kids are US citizens. By Dutch law, both kids are Dutch citizens because I hold Dutch citizenship (all we have to do is show proof and they will receive a Dutch passport). Both countries recognize dual citizenship under the above circumstances.

Question:

I've read a lot of differing things on whether or not our kids will have to choose one citizenship over the other at age 18, but cannot find any defining language. US State Department Services Dual Nationality suggests there should not be a problem, yet I've heard many stories of people having to make that choice anyways, mandated by the US? Could anyone give me a definite answer on this? Thanks so much!

 

[PromisedLife]

Just bumping this, hoping someone has an answer?

 

[evcalyptos]

I have never heard of the US making people choose; they want you for life.

"DUAL NATIONALITY

Dual nationality can occur as the result of a variety of circumstances. The automatic acquisition or retention of a foreign nationality, acquired, for example, by birth in a foreign country or through an alien parent, does not affect U.S. citizenship"
Advice about Possible Loss of U.S. Citizenship and Dual Nationality

The only concern I'd have is with the Dutch gov't since they do have the extra step for naturalizers (the paper you had to get before naturalizing).

 

[PromisedLife]

Thank you (sorry for the late reply). I hadn't heard/read about any paper from the Dutch gov. I needed to get before obtaining US citizenship? If you have more info on that, please let me know (even though it falls outside of the confines of this forum as it is US law only). I read on the Dutch website belonging to the Dept. of Foreign affairs that I can obtain dual citizenship because my husband is citizen of the country I am living in. Thanks again!

 

[AHA]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? OK

Here is the scenario and here are the facts:

Both our kids were born in the US.

"Kid 1" was born in the US. Dad is a US citizen by birth, I was a permant legal resident (green card) at the time with Dutch citizenship.

"Kid 2" was born in the US. Dad is a US citizen by birth, I was (am) a dual citizenship at the time, with both American and Dutch citizenship.

By US law, both kids are US citizens. By Dutch law, both kids are Dutch citizens because I hold Dutch citizenship (all we have to do is show proof and they will receive a Dutch passport). Both countries recognize dual citizenship under the above circumstances.

Question:

I've read a lot of differing things on whether or not our kids will have to choose one citizenship over the other at age 18, but cannot find any defining language. US State Department Services Dual Nationality suggests there should not be a problem, yet I've heard many stories of people having to make that choice anyways, mandated by the US? Could anyone give me a definite answer on this? Thanks so much!

I have heard the same thing about a similar western European country, but that you can "re-apply" for the foreign citizenship at that age, and keep it if you can show the kids have strong ties to that country (family living there, visiting that country regularly, speaking the foreign language, etc), but you should check with the authorities in your homecountry to find out for sure what they require if so.

 

[evcalyptos]

Thank you (sorry for the late reply). I hadn't heard/read about any paper from the Dutch gov. I needed to get before obtaining US citizenship? If you have more info on that, please let me know (even though it falls outside of the confines of this forum as it is US law only). I read on the Dutch website belonging to the Dept. of Foreign affairs that I can obtain dual citizenship because my husband is citizen of the country I am living in. Thanks again!

Argh.. I had the link at the time and tossed it. Of course I can't find the information now.

I highly recommend this forum: usadutch.com :: Index and I'm sure you could write to the Embassy here for information: The Royal Netherlands Embassy - Washington DC - Welcome

The US will not make your children decide; as far as the US is concerned, they are US citizens forever.
I encourage you to find out what The Netherlands will require from them to retain that citizenship.

I've lost touch with the couple of Dutch online immigration friends I had, but you'll find good people at that forum.