Has anyone renounced to U.S. citizenship?

Question

I know someone considering renouncing to their U.S. citizenship. Has anyone ever gone through this process? Is it complicated?

Answer 1

I have processed a number of these, usually for people who want to take sensitive positions in foreign governments.

No, it's not all that complicated, but it does take some time.  Briefly, the Embassy where the person will renounce will need to see that he/she is of sound mind, already has citizenship in another country, and understands that such an act is irrevocable -- i.e. from now on, this person will be treated as a foreigner when attempting to enter the U.S., will need a visa, can't transmit citizenship to children, etc.  And, he/she cannot be renouncing to avoid tax liability.

So, typically, he/she will contact an Embassy's consular section for an appointment, come in to discuss the matter and receive the forms that need to be filed out, and have the process explained.  He/she will usually then be given an appointment for the next few weeks to have time to think it over, and then will return to file the papers.  Last, it will take anywhere from a few weeks for a few months for Washington to approve the Certificate of Loss of Nationality.

So, that's the process!  Hope this helps.

Middleclass, as an American, I can tell you that "visa privileges" are pretty low on the list of reasons to retain one's U.S. citizenship.  And, if that's the only reason someone is retaining their U.S. citizenship, I hope they will follow the steps above, as quickly as possible.

Answer 2

You don't want to do that. US citizens enjoy some of the best visa privileges  when traveling to other countries .

http://travel.state.gov/law/citizenship/...

http://www.harpers.org/archive/2004/10/0...

Google brings interesting results.

Answer 3

Not yet,When you do it let me know how it feels,okay paisano.

Answer 4

Lee Harvy Oswald did.

Answer 5

What your friend is considering to me is "social suicide".  Right now there are people absolutely dying to become citizens of the United States and the privileges that go with it are unbelievable. The process is really not that hard, but getting back your citizenship if you change your mind is really hard, almost impossible. Really tell your friend that to do this is really a bad idea. I would never ever give up my citizenship no matter how much I disagreed with the governmnent. Noone in their right mind would do this.