Legal Question in Immigration Law in California

Does the INS want me to renounce to my former nationality when I take the Oath o
I am a French citizen and permanent resident . I qualify to apply for US citizenship. Does the INS want me to renounce to my former citizenship when I take the Oath of Allegiance? Or do I only renounce to foreign allegiances (and still be able to keep my French citizenship)? Is it ok for the INS if I want to keep my French citizenship and get the US citizenship at the same time, in order words have double citizenships? I contacted the French Consulat in LA and the French Vice-Consul wrote to me that for the French government, the double citizenship is ok.
My point is: is there a difference between renouncing to foreign allegiance and renouncing to foreign citizenship? Or does the allegiance renouncement encompass a citizenship renouncement. I want to have both citizenships but I will not attempt to get the US citizenship if I have to renounce to the French citizenship. It is ok for me to take the Oath of Allegiance, but not to renounce to my former citizenship.
Is that possible?

Asked on 5/01/00, 4:53 pm

Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

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Re: Does the INS want me to renounce to my former nationality when I take the Oa

The US does not recognize dual citizenship. Simple use of your French passport can result in the loss of the US citizenship.

Answered on 7/13/00, 1:17 am

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