Lyla Lindsey
Citizenship is a legal status that grants individuals membership to a political community and comes with certain rights and benefits. Naturalization is the process by which a non-citizen can become a citizen by meeting specific requirements such as residency, language proficiency, and passing a citizenship test. This text will explore the requirements and procedures for obtaining citizenship in Belarus and the United States, two countries with distinct citizenship laws and processes.
Characteristics of Citizenship in Belarus and the USA
| Characteristics | Belarus | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship by birth | Can be acquired if one of the parents is a Belarusian citizen or both are permanent residents of Belarus | Can be acquired if born in the USA or born outside the USA to a US citizen |
| Citizenship by naturalization | Can be gained if the applicant has permanent residence in Belarus for 7 years preceding the application, has enough knowledge of one of the state languages (Belarusian or Russian), and has no foreign citizenship | Can be gained by a non-citizen not born in the USA by being a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least five years, being at least 18 years old, demonstrating continuous residence, physical presence, and attachment to the principles and ideals of the US Constitution, and taking an Oath of Allegiance to the USA |
| Dual citizenship | Not mentioned | Recognized |
| Renouncing citizenship | Allowed for those 18 years and older, provided they possess another citizenship, do not have any debts or unfulfilled obligations, and are not under criminal prosecution | Allowed |
What You'll Learn
- US law does not impede citizens from acquiring citizenship of another country
- US citizens with dual citizenship must use a US passport to enter and leave the US
- Belarus does not recognise dual citizenship
- Belarusian citizens with dual citizenship must use a Belarusian passport to enter and leave Belarus
- Minors under 18 in Belarus with foreign national parents can have dual citizenship
US law does not impede citizens from acquiring citizenship of another country
The US Supreme Court has affirmed this position, explaining that "a person may have and exercise rights of nationality in two countries and be subject to the responsibilities of both." This means that US citizens can become citizens of another country without losing their US citizenship. However, it is important to note that the laws regarding dual citizenship vary from country to country, and some countries may not recognize dual citizenship or impose certain restrictions.
For example, in Belarus, dual citizenship is not recognized. While individuals can be citizens of both the US and Belarus, they must be aware of the specific laws and requirements of each country. When entering or leaving the US, US citizens must use their US passports, while Belarusian law requires Belarusian citizens to use their Belarusian passports when entering or exiting Belarus. This includes individuals with dual citizenship. Additionally, males of conscript age (18-27) who are deemed Belarusian citizens may face difficulties departing Belarus if they have not fulfilled their military service requirement.
Before pursuing dual citizenship, it is essential to understand the laws and requirements of both countries involved to ensure compliance with their respective legal systems.
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US citizens with dual citizenship must use a US passport to enter and leave the US
Dual Citizenship in the US and Belarus
Dual citizenship, or dual nationality, means being a citizen of the United States and another country simultaneously. US law does not require citizens with dual citizenship to choose one nationality over the other. US citizens can naturalise in another country without risking their citizenship status in the US.
US Passport Requirements for Dual Citizens
Dual citizens should carry both valid passports when travelling to and from the US. When departing Belarus, for example, a dual citizen must use a valid Belarusian passport, as required by law. Upon arrival in the US, they must then present their US passport.
Obtaining Dual Citizenship
To obtain dual citizenship, a person must first immigrate to the US and become a permanent resident before being eligible for citizenship. The eligibility of a dual citizenship candidate depends on the policies of the second country. Some countries allow people to keep their citizenship after becoming US citizens, while others do not.
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Belarus does not recognise dual citizenship
Belarusian law does not recognise dual citizenship. This means that a person who is a citizen of Belarus will be recognised by the Belarusian authorities solely as a Belarusian citizen, even if they also hold citizenship in another country.
Acquisition of Citizenship
A person can acquire Belarusian citizenship by birth, through admission, by registration, or on other grounds provided by international treaties. Birth within Belarus does not automatically confer citizenship unless the child is born to stateless or unknown parents. A child born outside of Belarus can acquire citizenship if one of their parents is a Belarusian citizen, and the family is permanently residing abroad. In this case, the child will only gain citizenship upon the written request of the parents.
Dual Citizenship
Citizens over 18 years of age do not have the right to dual citizenship. Only minors under 18 who have parents that are nationals of other states are entitled to dual citizenship. Upon turning 18, these individuals must decide on the citizenship of one country, and renounce the citizenship of the other.
Travel to Belarus
When travelling to Belarus, individuals with dual citizenship of the US and Belarus should be aware of the requirements of both countries. US immigration law requires Americans to use US passports when entering or leaving the country, while Belarus requires its citizens to use Belarusian passports to enter and depart. This has caused issues for dual citizens, who have been unable to leave Belarus due to issues with their Belarusian passports. It is important to ensure that Belarusian passports are valid for the entire stay in Belarus, and to carry Apostilled copies of any US-issued birth or marriage certificates.
Visa Requirements
US citizens require a visa to enter Belarus, which must be obtained from a Belarusian Embassy or Consulate overseas. This visa must be accompanied by a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a colour photograph, and health insurance. The regular processing time for a visa is 5 business days, and visas cannot be extended.
Registration Requirements
All US citizens staying in Belarus for more than 5 days must register with the local office of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior. This can be done online or in person, and failure to register can result in administrative action, including fines, deportation, and prohibition from entering Belarus in the future.
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Belarusian citizens with dual citizenship must use a Belarusian passport to enter and leave Belarus
It is important to note that while the concept of dual citizenship exists in Belarus, the country does not recognise it. This means that while it is possible for an individual to hold citizenship in both Belarus and another country, the Belarusian government will only recognise that person as a citizen of Belarus.
According to Belarusian law, citizens of Belarus, including those with dual citizenship, must use a Belarusian passport to enter and leave the country. This is a requirement even if the individual entered the country using a different passport. For example, US-Belarus dual citizens must use a Belarusian passport when departing Belarus, even if they entered the country using a US passport.
There have been instances where US-Belarus dual citizens have been unable to leave Belarus because their Belarusian passports had expired or been lost during their stay. Obtaining a new Belarusian passport can take weeks or even months, especially if the individual needs to submit US-issued documents as part of their application. As both the US and Belarus are signatories of the Hague Apostille Convention, all US-issued documents submitted as part of a Belarusian passport application must carry an Apostille from the relevant US state. Without this, the Belarusian government will not accept the documents.
Therefore, it is important for dual citizens of Belarus to ensure that their Belarusian passport is valid for their entire stay in the country and to carry Apostilled copies of any necessary US-issued documents in case their passport is lost or stolen.
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Minors under 18 in Belarus with foreign national parents can have dual citizenship
In Belarus, minors under 18 years of age with foreign national parents can have dual citizenship. This is the only instance in which dual citizenship is permitted. Upon turning 18, individuals with dual citizenship must choose one citizenship or the other. If they opt to keep their Belarusian citizenship, they must renounce the citizenship of any other countries.
It's important to note that while having dual citizenship is not illegal in Belarus, it is not recognised by the country. This means that Belarusian citizens who acquire the citizenship of another state will be recognised solely as Belarusian citizens by the Belarusian authorities.
For minors under 18, the process of obtaining dual citizenship differs depending on their specific circumstances. If a child is born in Belarus to stateless or unknown parents, they are automatically granted Belarusian citizenship. On the other hand, if a child is born abroad with at least one parent who is a Belarusian citizen, they will only gain citizenship upon the written request of their parents.
When it comes to travel, individuals with dual citizenship must be mindful of the requirements of both countries. For instance, while US law requires American citizens to use US passports when entering or leaving the country, Belarus requires Belarusian citizens to use Belarusian passports for entry and departure. This has caused issues for some dual citizens, who have been unable to depart Belarus due to issues with their Belarusian passports.
Additionally, male dual citizens of conscript age (18-27 years old) may face difficulties departing Belarus if they have not satisfied their military service requirement.
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Frequently asked questions
To become a citizen of Belarus, you must meet the eligibility requirements and then apply for citizenship by birth, naturalization, or registration. Citizenship by birth is acquired if at least one parent is a Belarusian citizen or both are permanent residents of Belarus. Citizenship by naturalization can be gained if the applicant has permanent residence in Belarus for 7 years preceding the application, has enough knowledge of one of the state languages (Belarusian or Russian), and has no foreign citizenship. Citizenship by registration can be acquired by people who held USSR citizenship and were born in Belarus or had a place of residence in Belarus before November 12, 1991, as well as their spouses and descendants.
To become a citizen of the USA, you must undergo the naturalization process. This involves meeting certain eligibility requirements, such as being at least 18 years old, being a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States for at least five years, demonstrating continuous residence in the United States for at least five years, and showing that you are a person of good moral character. You must also be able to read, write, and speak basic English, as well as demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government. Finally, you must take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
Yes, it is possible to have dual citizenship in both Belarus and the USA. However, it is important to be aware of the laws and requirements of both countries. For example, while U.S. immigration law requires Americans to use U.S. passports when entering or leaving the United States, Belarusian law requires Belarusian citizens to use Belarusian passports when entering or leaving Belarus.
