Arnold's Citizenship: Austrian Roots And American Dreams

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a dual citizen of the United States and Austria. While Austria does not usually allow dual citizenship, Schwarzenegger was granted an exception in 1983 when he became a US citizen. Schwarzenegger was born in Thal, Austria, and served in the Austrian Army before immigrating to the US in 1968. He went on to become a famous bodybuilder, actor, and governor of California.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a dual citizen of Austria and the US

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a dual citizen of Austria and the United States. He was born in Thal, a small village near Graz, Austria, in 1947. Schwarzenegger immigrated to the United States in 1968, at the age of 21, and gained US citizenship in 1983.

Austria does not usually allow dual citizenship, but Schwarzenegger made a special request to the Austrian authorities to retain his Austrian citizenship, and his request was granted. This was likely due to his fame and status as the "best-known Austrian in the world."

As a dual citizen, Schwarzenegger has had to navigate some political complexities, such as when he faced criticism in Austria for his support of the death penalty in the US, which is unacceptable and illegal in Austria. Despite this controversy, Schwarzenegger has maintained his dual citizenship and has strong connections to both countries.

In the US, Schwarzenegger served as the Governor of California from 2003 to 2011 and has pursued a successful career in Hollywood as an actor and filmmaker. In Austria, Schwarzenegger is celebrated as a native son, with Graz, the capital of his home province of Styria, naming a soccer stadium after him.

Austria doesn't usually allow dual citizenship

Austria does not usually allow dual citizenship. Austrian citizenship law states that any Austrian who voluntarily acquires a foreign citizenship loses their Austrian citizenship. However, it is possible to apply for permission to retain Austrian citizenship before acquiring foreign citizenship. This application must be approved in writing by the relevant provincial government office.

There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, children can hold dual citizenship if they acquire another citizenship at birth, such as through descent from a non-Austrian parent. Additionally, naturalized Austrian citizens who are unable to renounce their existing nationality are allowed to hold dual citizenship. In rare cases, Austria may also waive the requirement to renounce previous citizenship if it is in the special interest of the Republic of Austria.

In the case of Arnold Schwarzenegger, he was granted special permission to retain his Austrian citizenship when he became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1983. This exception was likely made due to his fame and success in bodybuilding, Hollywood, and politics.

While Austria does not typically allow dual citizenship, there are some circumstances under which it may be permitted or waived.

Schwarzenegger gained US citizenship in 1983

Arnold Schwarzenegger's journey from a small village in Austria to becoming an American citizen is an inspiring story. Schwarzenegger gained US citizenship in 1983, marking one of the proudest days of his life.

Born in Thal, a small village near Graz, Austria, Schwarzenegger had humble beginnings. He started weight training at the age of 13 and chose bodybuilding over football a year later. In 1965, he served in the Austrian army, as mandated for all 18-year-old males. However, his passion for bodybuilding led him to go AWOL to participate in a contest, resulting in a week-long stint in military prison.

At 19, Schwarzenegger made his first international trip to London to compete in the Mr. Universe competition, finishing second. He won the title the following year and went on to win it four more times. In 1968, at the age of 21, he moved to the US to pursue his dream of becoming a bodybuilder. In 1970, he won his first Mr. Olympia title in New York, claiming six more victories in subsequent years.

While building his career in bodybuilding, Schwarzenegger also ventured into acting. He appeared in films such as ""Hercules in New York" and ""The Long Goodbye" before landing bigger roles in ""Stay Hungry" and ""Conan the Barbarian."

In 1980, Schwarzenegger graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing. After living in the US for 15 years, he finally received his US citizenship in 1983. This was a significant milestone, as he had dreamed of coming to America and becoming an American since his youth.

Before gaining US citizenship, Schwarzenegger made a special request to the Austrian authorities to retain his Austrian citizenship, as Austria does not typically allow dual citizenship. His request was granted, making him a dual citizen of Austria and the US.

Schwarzenegger's story serves as an inspiration to many. He overcame challenges and pursued his dreams, achieving success and making a lasting impact in both the US and Austria.

He was born in Thal, Austria

Arnold Schwarzenegger was born in Thal, Austria, on July 30, 1947. Thal is a small village near Graz, the capital of Styria, one of Austria's nine provinces. Schwarzenegger's father, Gustav, was the local chief of police in Thal, and his mother, Aurelia, was 23 when he was born. Schwarzenegger has described his parents as strict and very different from parents in the US at the time. He has also said that his father favoured his elder brother, Meinhard, over him.

Growing up in Thal, Schwarzenegger enjoyed watching films, particularly those starring bodybuilder Reg Parker. These films helped spark Schwarzenegger's obsession with America, and he dreamed of moving there one day.

In Thal, Schwarzenegger also began weight training at the age of 15. He chose bodybuilding over football as a career when he was 14. He would later go on to win several bodybuilding competitions, including Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia.

In 1968, Schwarzenegger immigrated to the US, settling in Los Angeles, California. He continued his bodybuilding career and broke into Hollywood, starring in films such as Hercules in New York and The Long Goodbye. Schwarzenegger became a US citizen in 1983 but retained his Austrian citizenship, a rare exception as Austria does not usually allow dual citizenship.

Schwarzenegger is a former governor of California

Arnold Schwarzenegger served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011. He was born in Thal, Austria, in 1947 and immigrated to the United States in 1968 at the age of 21. Before entering politics, Schwarzenegger was a bodybuilder, businessman, and actor, known for his roles in popular action films such as Conan the Barbarian and The Terminator.

In 2003, Schwarzenegger ran for governor in a special recall election to replace then-Governor Gray Davis. Schwarzenegger won the election with 48.6% of the vote and was sworn into office on November 17, 2003. As governor, he focused on improving California's financial situation, promoting new businesses, and protecting the environment. He also supported physical education and after-school programs and successfully passed the After-School Education & Safety Act in 2002.

During his first term, Schwarzenegger faced opposition from the California State Legislature when he proposed deep cuts to the state budget. He controversially referred to his opponents in the legislature as "girlie men". Despite this, Schwarzenegger was re-elected in 2006, serving a full term until January 2011 when he reached his term limit.

One of Schwarzenegger's notable achievements as governor was his work to reduce California's greenhouse gas emissions. In 2006, he signed the Global Warming Solutions Act, creating the nation's first cap on greenhouse gas emissions. He also negotiated the creation of a carbon emissions trading market with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Schwarzenegger's other accomplishments as governor include increasing the minimum wage, lowering the state's unemployment rate, and overhauling the workers' compensation system, cutting costs by more than 35%.

In addition to his political career, Schwarzenegger has remained involved with the Special Olympics and has served as a global ambassador for the organization. He has also been recognised for his work in environmental protection and was awarded an honorary Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 1996 and an honorary Doctorate from Chapman University in 2002.

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