Pros and Cons of Dual Citizenship

Imagine being a citizen of two countries simultaneously! Yes! According to 'dual citizenship' laws, an individual can be regarded as a citizen of two states/countries. This law has its own merits and demerits, which we will be seeing in this write-up.

Dual citizenship laws are very stringent, and each country has its own unique set of standards and criteria for granting citizenship to individuals. This law has often invoked big debates, controversies, and disagreement amongst various governments. In the US, this ongoing debate, especially led to a concept of 'dual nationality'. In his famous speech of 1915, six years after giving up his presidency, Theodore Roosevelt denounced this law and termed it as 'hyphenated Americans'.

Many countries haven't allowed dual citizenship because they think that it will amount to increased immigration of outsiders, high crime rates, less employment opportunities for their citizens, and a general socio-cultural imbalance in the society. On the other hand, other countries promote dual citizenship as they feel it increases the competency level of their citizens. This opens the doors for free and liberal trade, thereby increasing job opportunities and helping the country to make a global impact.

Advantages of Dual Citizenship

A citizen with a dual passport can travel to both countries, which certainly takes much less time to process than the normal visa procedure.

It is also of utmost importance to business people wishing to invest in the real estate market of that country. In other words, they can buy property easily in both territories.
Investment can be done in both countries, and so it opens a two-way path for their income.
A dual citizen is likely to be bilingual, so he can be an asset to a firm that has its business ventures spread globally. Cultural exchange of ideas, intermingling of new people, languages, and more opportunities for people to show their talents are some other advantages a dual citizenship can have.
An individual can also live and claim benefits in both countries.
As far as work is concerned, it's very beneficial to those who have business in both countries, and also to those who work for companies that have a noteworthy presence in both nations.

Disadvantages of Dual Citizenship

Legal transactions, misconduct, and illegal activities are some of the crimes for which different countries have their own set of laws. If a dual citizen is found to be involved in such crimes, it's uncertain with which laws he should be persecuted. This legal uncertainty may be magnified in serious crimes and frauds committed by a dual citizen.

Another issue is whether the state should grant them equal rights in the issues concerning political and social cases of the country.

It's a fact that people don't feel a bonding for a particular community, unless they are allowed to freely and constructively participate in issues related to that nation.

Also, authorities against dual citizenship argue that it may threaten the political identity of the country. National security may be threatened if terrorists or similar organizations or their members use dual citizenship as an easy path to cross borders.

Another basic question that arises is, which country will the 'dual' citizen be loyal to? People whose loyalties are either divided or elsewhere, may be a threat to the nation's security. It may undoubtedly lead to illegal immigration in various sorts.

Many countries have mandatory participation from its citizens in military training and wars. In such cases, what job should a dual citizen be assigned? Such an individual may voluntarily quit the training and go to the other country, and return when things are better. If such breach of national security is done, then what?

Dual citizenship is an ongoing debate, and people, states, and immigration law makers, all have different views. Still, it exists and is very successful in many countries, especially the liberalized economies.

Martina Navratilova (tennis icon), tennis star and model Anna Kournikova, iconic actor Arnold Schwarzenegger (former Governor of California), Madeleine Albright (US Secretary of State 1997 - 2001), Cristeta Comerford (White House chef for over 10 years), and Jennifer Granholm (former Governor of Michigan), are a few personalities who belonged to a different country, but accepted US as their homes. Some may or may not have dual citizenship (they may have naturalized American citizenship), but they still form the success story of immigrants.

Learn Where to Go For Minor Passport Applications

Unlike adult passport applicants, children have special passport requirements that will have to be accomplished on top of the regular passport application process. According to the United States Department of State, children are those who are under the age of 18. Meanwhile, children 16 to -17 years old have different special requirements from those required of those under 16.

In this article, we will be talking about the special passport application requirements of children under age 16. Included in these requirements are newborns or infants. There are several of these requirements that we'll discuss further below.

The first and the most basic requirement would be the completed DS-11 form. This is the form filled in by all first-time passport applicants, whether children or adults. You can download this form online and fill it on your computer, but you will have to submit this form along with the other requirements in person.

Aside from the DS-11, applicants will also be required to submit a proof of their citizenship. To accomplish this, you must present any of the following as proof of US citizenship: a previously issued passport that's in good condition, a certified birth certificate, a consular report in case the child was born in another country, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. Any of these documents will prove the child's citizenship.

The parents or guardians of the child also must present required documents in this type of passport application. For one, you should present a proof of your relationship with the child. Aside from that, you will also need to provide an identification document, as well as a photocopy of this document.

And since we're talking about minors applying for a passport here, a written parental consent will also be required to be submitted to the passport office. There are different procedures for this for parents, a single parent, and a guardian who stands in place of the parents. Check out which category you fall under so you'll know the type of procedure you'll have to follow.

The applicant will also have to submit two copies of color photographs. Photographs submitted for passport applications have stringent guidelines; so make sure that you are familiar with these guidelines even before having your photograph taken. Once you have accomplished all of these requirements, you can now submit your passport and pay the applicable fees. Check with your local passport office in order to see what fees you may be required to pay.

If it's about knowing where to go for child passport applications that you want to know about, all you need to do is visit your local passport office. They will assist you with your application, from providing you with information on how to get started, to making sure that you have accomplished all the special requirements that are need for child passport applications. With their help, applying for a passport for minors will be a lot easier and free from stress.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3399268

Tips on Getting a Passport Through at the US Passport Office

Visiting the US government passport office is the first step you need to take in order to get a passport. It is important to have a passport in case you need to leave the country for any reason. Contrary to popular belief, going to the passport office can be easy and hassle free as long as you are prepared.

Finding a passport processing office: The first thing you need to do is go to the US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website. The Bureau of Consular Affairs is the main government office and has everything you need regarding passports. The site has an option where you can enter your location and it lists nearby passport offices. These offices are usually housed in government buildings, such as post offices, clerks of court, or public libraries.

Who should go to a passport office: Minors, people who do not already have passports, or people who have lost or damaged their passports a required to visit the passport office to get a passport. When you get there, you need to show identifying documents and fill out all the necessary forms. With minors, both parents need to be at the office with the child.

Who does not need to go to the passport office: If you are over the age of eighteen and already have a passport, you may not need to go to the passport office. You may be able to renew by mail. As long as your passport was issued less than fifteen years ago, you are eligible to do this.

What to bring to the passport application office: You are required to bring two color photographs of yourself, money for fees, proof of identity, and proof of citizenship to the office so you can get your passport. In the event of a name change, you will need to bring documentation of that as well.

Photographs: The requirements for the two color photographs that must be sent are very strict. Most passport offices can take your picture for a nominal fee of $15. This is usually good because it ensures that your picture meets the qualifications.

Hours: The hours for passport processing offices vary. It's generally a good idea to check when your local office hours are so that you don't go when the office is closed. Most passport offices are open sometime during business hours, but rarely after then.

How long it takes: If you are leaving the country, plan ahead and visit the passport office at least a couple months before your trip. This process takes a while and you will most likely wait between four and six weeks to get your passport. If you need it before then, you can ask the employees at the office about expediting the passport. With this process, you can pay a $60 fee to get your passport in about two or three weeks.

The US government passport office is not as much of a hassle as most people think. A passport is often necessary, but as long as you plan ahead and get together all of the necessary documents, you will have no problems getting your passport. After the paper work is submitted, the hard part is over and you just have to wait for your passport to come in the mail.

C.L. Hendricks has been a Jill-of-all-trades and become an expert in some. She has also traveled extensively and now writes about travel destinations around the world for How to Get a Passport [http://www.how-to-get-a-passport.com] and other travel sites as Web Content Provider.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2800828

Government Update On Passport Cards and Entry to U.S.

As A Certified Travel Agent with TraVerus Travel (www.daytodaytravel.info), I wanted you to be aware of the new regulations that have gone into effect on January 31, 2008 that require all people entering or re-entering the U.S. to show proof of citizenship.

Proof of citizenship can be accomplished by presenting a valid passport, an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, or an original copy of your certificate of citizenship or naturalization. I recommend a passport because it is the only document that proves both your citizenship and your identity.

The Department of State, the agency of the Federal Government that issues passports, issued new rules regarding the new passport card on December 31, 2007. Here is a summary of everything covered in the new regulations. As you will see, there are more rules to be issued in the future telling citizens when and how the State Department will begin issuing passport cards. When and how the State Department will begin issuing the passport cards is not yet known.

1. The State Department will issue passport cards. The official name of the document will be "passport cards." State will continue to issue "passport books" which up until now we have known as a "passport."

2. A new DS 11 passport application form will be issued between now and February 1st. On the form, applicants will be given an option to apply either for a passport card or a passport book.

3. The passport card is valid only for passage through land and sea ports between the U.S. and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The passport card cannot be used for flights into or out of the U.S.

4. The passport card will be issued to citizens in all 50 states but it is exclusively for use for land and sea entrance to the U.S. Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel.

5. Passport cards can be used for identification for domestic flights. Remember: the passport card can be used as government-issued proof of identity and proof of citizenship. So, if you do not have a driver's license and need identification for passing through security for domestic travel, you can use your passport card for proof of identity instead of presenting your driver's license.

6. Passport cards have the same validity as passport books - 10 years for adults 16 and over and 5 years for children under 16.

7. Citizens will be able to apply for a passport card at any acceptance agent on the same basis as a regular passport.

8. Passport books must be signed on the signature page by the passport holder to be valid. Passport cards do not have to be signed to be valid.

9. The passport cards will be able to be scanned at U.S. borders when a person is in the vicinity of an electronic reader that will be operated by U.S. border control officials. The chip in the card contains only one item of information - a unique identifying number that has meaning only inside the secure database of the State Department and Homeland Security Department. There is no personal information such as name, date of birth, social security number, etc. stored electronically on the chip. So, if someone did pick up the signal, they would not be able to use the data to learn anything about the holder.

10. The execution fee for applying for a passport card is $25. The execution fee for applying for a passport book is $30.

11. The fees for obtaining a passport card for persons without a passport are as follows:

Adults: Total $45 ($20 application fee, plus $25 execution fee)

Children under 16: Total $35($10 application fee, plus $25 execution fee)

12. Persons who have a valid passport book (Remember: a "passport book" means a person who has a "passport") and who are applying for a passport card (in addition to holding a valid passport) are not required to pay the execution fee. Thus, persons with a valid passport who also want a passport card can apply for $20.

13. The government may permit alternative documentation for land crossings such as driver's licenses issued by states that have established methods for determining citizenship acceptable to the Federal government. Several states have already submitted proposals to the Federal government. This matter will be addressed in subsequent regulations issued by the Federal government.

I hope the following information has been helpful to you. I would not want anyone's vacation to be ruined because of an issue with your passport. I would also suggest going to [http://www.daytodaytravel.com] for the best travel deals and vacation packages around.

Larry Buhrandt

daytodaytravel@gmail.com

About the Author

Larry is a business opportunity specialist marketing online several ventures of interest. Larry is highly involved in the travel industry as a certified travel agent with TraVerus Travel.

How To Get A Passport Fast In Five Steps

You need a US passport if you want to travel to a foreign country. It's also a valuable piece of personal identification. You'll learn how to get a US passport in the five simple steps described below. This process is good for any adult who is applying for a new passport, but not for getting one renewed.

Forms

The definition for a "new" passport is actually a fairly broad category. Obviously, if you've never had one and this is your first application, this procedure applies to you. However, you are also considered to be getting a new passport if yours has been stolen, damaged or lost. "New" also applies to you if your old one was issued more than 15 years ago or if you've changed your name since your current passport was issued, but you can't legally document your name change.

Documents 

You will have to fill out federal from DS-11, which you can download off a variety of government websites. You'll find the instructions for filling it out directly on the form. This is an application, so if you want yours to be accepted, it's probably best to fill out this form and fully and accurately as possible. Of course, you also want to be completely truthful on it as well. There's a different form for renewing U.S. online passport.

Identity 

In addition to the DS-11 form, you'll also have to provide proof of your identity. You can't bootstrap this process to get your sole identification documentation. It will only be issued if you can already proved you are who you say you are. The best option is to include a copy of a piece of primary proof of identity. This sort of proof could be your driver's license, naturalization certificate, current military ID or other current government issued ID.

Certificates Of Citizenship 

The next critical piece of documentation you'll need to submit is proof of your US citizenship. If you're a naturalized citizen, your naturalization certificate can serve as both proof of identity and citizenship. If you're a naturally born US citizen, a certified, long form birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or citizenship certificate will prove your citizenship.

Fees 

Lastly, you'll need to include a photo and your application fees. The photo must be color and two by two inches in size. It must have been taken within the last six months and must show your full face as a close up. The specific amount you'll have to pay as your application fee will vary based on your specific situation. You can consult the online fee schedule to find out what you'll have to pay.

Sending Application 

Once you have all this documentation, forms, and other requirements put together, it's time to submit them for approval. This packet must be submitted at an authorized US passport office. There are literally thousands all over the country, usually in post offices, public libraries, courthouses or other public buildings. You can find the office nearest you by looking online. However, check with that office specifically before arriving as some require that you schedule an appointment in order to accept your application.

About the Author

That's all there is to it. Now that you know how to get a new passport, you can get the process started. There can be nothing so valuable as having proof of your US citizenship that will be accepted the world over. There's a different process for renewing passport.

How to Renew Your US Passport?

US passports are issued to US citizens and also to non-citizen nationals of the US by the US Department of State. US passports are issued in the form of passport books and passport cards. The standard passport book facilitates easy international travel around the world. The Passport card resembles a small ID card that can be used for crossing Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda through land and sea. International travels are not possible with this passport card. A person can hold both US passport and a Passport Card.

Passport Renewal

The Passport book is issued only for a specific validity period, after the expiration of which it needs to be renewed. Passports are of the following type and the validity is different for each of these.

• Regular Passport - Comes with a dark blue cover. Issued to citizens and nationals. Valid for 10 yrs ( to adults) and for 5 yrs ( for minors) from the date of issue


• Official Passport - Comes with a brown cover. Issued to US citizen Government Employees. Valid for 5 yrs from the date of issue.


• Diplomatic Passport - Comes with a black cover. Issued to American diplomats. Valid for 5 yrs from the date of their issue.

When the individual's passport is about to expire within the next six months or has already expired, then a passport renewal is a must.

Importance of Passport Renewal 

Passport serves as an important identification document for the individual both inside and outside the country. It supplements the Citizenship certificate as proof. It is the means for easy international travel. So it is always important to have a valid passport on hand as a person may be checked for his/her credentials at any point of time and travels may also be unexpected and sudden.

Process of Passport Renewal

Passport renewal by mail

When a person's US passport was issued when they were 16 yrs old or younger than that or within the last 15 yrs, then this option will suit them. Their passport should be in a fine, undamaged condition and should be submitted along with the passport renewal application. Legal name endorsements on the passport should also be done through mail.

Form DS-82 is used for passport renewal through mail. This can be obtained as a hard copy from any Local Acceptance facility or a Passport Agency. Alternatively, it can be completed online and the printout can be mailed to the Passport Agency with all the required proof. This form should be signed on the first page before mailing it.

Passport renewal in person

When a person has a US passport which does not fall under any of the criteria given above, then this is the only alternative. Also when the passport is highly damaged, mutilated or altered, then this option has to be followed.

Form DS-11 is used for getting a new i.e. passport renewal in person. This form can also be completed either online or by hand. One main thing to be kept in mind is that this form should be signed only in the presence of a passport agent and only when instructed to do so. Proof of US citizenship, identification documents, passport size photo along with the filing fee should be submitted along with the Form DS-11.

Facts about passport renewal

Persons, who are residing out of the US except Canada, should renew their passports at their nearest US Embassy or consulate. If they are in Canada, then they need to mail in their completed Form DS -82 to the address mentioned on the form. While mailing the form, the applicants should ensure to send it through a traceable delivery method and also in a large envelope (to avoid the contents being folded). When a person requires a US passport in less than 4 weeks to get a foreign visa and in less than 2 weeks to undertake any international travel, then they should make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency. Otherwise appointments are not allowed.

"If you are interested in learning more about How to Renew Green Card, Green Card Application, US Passports Renewal, Extension B2 Visa and other US Visas, visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Direct Services at http://www.ImmigrationDirect.com "

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Anthony_Gablinez