Anyone take advantage of new laws regarding Dual Citizenship?

Specifically looking at Italy. From what I've read, since my grandfather was born in Italy and my father in the US, I can gain dual citizenship in the US and Italy fairly easily. Anyone have any experience with this or something similar? Thanks

 

What new laws?

 

Maybe they aren't new laws, but I heard they were new for the olympics, so that more people would be elligable to represent non-US countries. Basically it was my understanding that, for instance, if your grandfather was born in a foreign country, you could get duel citizenship in that country.

 

It's not the U.S. its laws specific to other countries. My mother was born in Ireland and immigrated here when she was 16. Under Irish law I'm eligible for Irish citizenship. Now up until a few years ago the U.S. didn't recognize dual citizenship. The stance was basically "make a choice." But with the global economy from what I've read they've relaxed it quite a bit.

So, if this country goes to h#ll in a hand basket I can always go to Ireland to work. And since Ireland is part of the EU, that means I can go anywhere in Europe and work. Thanks mom!

 

senna21 - Because your mother is native-born Irish, you are already considered to be an Irish citizen, not just eligible to be one. A foreign-born child of an Irish native is considered to be an Irish citizen from birth, but children of that foreign-born person are not. The foreign-born child of an Irish native can apply for Irish citizenship for his/her children, provided he/she has adequate documentation of the relevant facts.

Or that's how it was about 15 years back. I have had both an Irish and U.S. passport since the early 90s. My wife is Japanese, and my son currently has citizenship in Japan, Ireland, and the U.S.

 

I friend of mine was talking about this, but with Italy. He's first or second generation American and has a lot of family over there. He's considering doing just what you described. Only problem is, he doesn't speak Italian...

 

What about great grand parents? Mine are form Italy too and it would be nice.....

 

I already have 2 passports US and Spain (UE) and also have the mexican resident status so actually I have 3 no take any advantage of any because it's pretty risky to start dealing with all IRS and TAX laws.

My .02

 

Hmm..........I'm known as a 'Landed Immigrant', whatever that means?

 

Ultimately, your best bet for information on this subject would be to contact the nearest consulate or embassy of the relevant country. For Racerboy, the nearest would be:

2590, Webster Street
San Francisco, California 94115
USA
Phone:
+1-415-931-4924
+1-415-931-4926
Fax:
+1-415-931-7205
Email:
[email protected]
Website URL:
www.italcons-sf.org

Best of luck.

 

What are you really going to gain out of this? Are you going to buy property there?

 

Cool, thank you.

 

No plans to buy property there. I'd gain the ability to travel through out the EU easily and live/work anywhere in the EU without question for as long as I wanted. If something were to happen here in the states you could pick up and get out quickly and easily. Also, you have access to free healthcare and a bunch of other minor but nice additions such as cruising through the check lines at each respective countries airport.

 

No plans to buy property there. I'd gain the ability to travel through out the EU easily and live/work anywhere in the EU without question for as long as I wanted. If something were to happen here in the states you could pick up and get out quickly and easily. Also, you have access to free healthcare and a bunch of other minor but nice additions such as cruising through the check lines at each respective countries airport.

 

Racerboy,
What you are referring to was never a problem for the US but rather for Italy.
However, the law changed in Italy in the 90s and you are now allowed to have the Italian citizenship as well as another one.
You may obtain the pertinent informations and apply for the Italian citizenship at the the nearest Italian Consulate.
As for taxes, the law of reciprocity allows you to pay taxes in one country only, although you have to file in both Countries if you earn an income in both Countries.

 

Check the taxes and residence requirements first. It's not that great a deal compared to the USA.

 

Do not even think about playing one country off another when it comes to tax time .... unless you want to back-up to OJ ........