Am I a dual-citizen of the US and Australia?

[Jeremy Ponniah]

I'm 17 and was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. My parents however were Australian citizens and on that basis I received Australian citizenship and an Aus passport. I spent most of my life living in Singapore and Melbourne but would love to live in Boston someday. I'm worried though because I heard the US only allows dual-citizenship to Americans born abroad (unlike my opposite scenario). However I'm sure that parents renouncing the US citizenship and birthright of a minor isn't allowed either.

Where does this leave me? Is it really as simple as me bringing my birth certificate to an embassy and getting a US passport in addition to my Australian one? Or has my citizenship been compromised? Thank you in advance.

[cafeconleche]

Hah, you lucky duck. You have a US birth certificate, so all you do is take that as proof to the consulate. You'll have a US passport in no time. Check the website for the details.

It's harder to get US citizenship if you're born ABROAD (many conditions must be met). YOU have been a US citizen since birth, and you're right that your parents could not have renounced it for you.

You get to keep both your nationalities. Good luck.

[mdot2610]

Jeremy
could you please update if you don't mind? so Do you hold both nationality now? USA & Australia?
All four of us (including two children) are Australian passport holders (by both children were born in Australia. We stay here in USA and hold Greencard. we are eligible now for US citizenship.

We would like keep both nationalities. Any suggestion? Thank you for your time.

[lisakent86]

I'm 17 and was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. My parents however were Australian citizens and on that basis I received Australian citizenship and an Aus passport. I spent most of my life living in Singapore and Melbourne but would love to live in Boston someday. I'm worried though because I heard the US only allows dual-citizenship to Americans born abroad (unlike my opposite scenario). However I'm sure that parents renouncing the US citizenship and birthright of a minor isn't allowed either.

Where does this leave me? Is it really as simple as me bringing my birth certificate to an embassy and getting a US passport in addition to my Australian one? Or has my citizenship been compromised? Thank you in advance.

Based on your situation, it sounds like you are indeed a dual citizen of both the US and Australia. The US does allow dual citizenship, so you don't need to renounce either citizenship to maintain both. Since you were born in Charlotte, North Carolina, you are automatically a US citizen by birthright, regardless of your parents' citizenship status or your acquisition of Australian citizenship through them. To obtain a US passport, you typically need to prove your US citizenship with your birth certificate and follow the application process, which may include a visit to the US embassy or consulate. I suggest seeking professional help from agents.