Lexi Webster
Arnold Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American actor, businessman, former politician, and former professional bodybuilder. He was born on July 30, 1947, in Thal, Styria, Austria, and became a naturalized U.S. citizen on September 17, 1983. Austria does not usually allow dual citizenship, but Schwarzenegger made a special request to the Austrian authorities to retain his Austrian citizenship shortly before gaining U.S. citizenship. In 2005, there was an attempt to revoke Schwarzenegger's Austrian citizenship by a member of the Austrian Parliament, but it was unsuccessful.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of becoming a US citizen | 17 September 1983 |
| Country that does not allow dual citizenship | Austria |
| Exception to the rule | Arnold Schwarzenegger |
| Date of Arnold Schwarzenegger's birth | 30 July 1947 |
| Place of Arnold Schwarzenegger's birth | Thal, Styria, Austria |
| Year of emigrating to the US | 1968 |
| Age of emigrating to the US | 21 |
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What You'll Learn
Arnold Schwarzenegger gained US citizenship in 1983
Arnold Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American actor, businessman, former politician, and former professional bodybuilder. He is regarded as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, having won the Mr. Universe title five times and the Mr. Olympia title seven times. He is also known for his roles in high-profile action films such as "The Terminator" and "Terminator 2: Judgment Day".
Born in the small village of Thal, Styria, Austria, on July 30, 1947, Schwarzenegger emigrated to the United States in 1968 at the age of 21. He began weight training at the age of 13 and chose bodybuilding over football when he was 14. After a successful career in bodybuilding, he ventured into acting and later politics, serving as the 38th governor of California from 2003 to 2011.
In 1983, Schwarzenegger became a naturalized citizen of the United States. This was a significant milestone for him, as he had been living in the country for 15 years and had expressed his patriotism and appreciation for the nation. He once said, "I really am convinced that this country is No. 1 in the world," showcasing his admiration for his adopted homeland.
Prior to obtaining U.S. citizenship, Schwarzenegger made a special request to the Austrian authorities to retain his Austrian citizenship, as Austria typically does not allow dual citizenship. His request was granted, making him a dual citizen of both Austria and the United States. This exception highlighted the significance of Schwarzenegger's achievements and the impact he had on both countries.
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Austria doesn't usually allow dual citizenship
Austrian citizenship law does not usually allow dual citizenship. In principle, any Austrian who voluntarily acquires a foreign citizenship loses their Austrian citizenship. This is because Austria is a signatory to the Strasbourg convention on the reduction of cases of multiple citizenship. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.
Firstly, if someone acquires Austrian citizenship by descent, they do not lose the citizenship of the country of their parents. For example, if someone is born with an Austrian parent and a foreign parent, they are considered to have dual citizenship from birth. Similarly, if someone is born in a country where the territoriality principle ("ius soli") applies, they can have Austrian citizenship alongside the citizenship of the country in which they are born. In these cases, Austrian law does not require individuals to choose one citizenship over the other, even when they reach the age of majority.
Secondly, Austrian citizenship may be retained if it is in the interest of the Republic of Austria due to services already rendered or expected in the future, or for a particularly worthy reason. For example, if someone has achieved or is expected to achieve extraordinary things, Austrian citizenship may be granted or retained if it serves the interests of the state.
Finally, Austrian citizenship may be retained if it is justified by particularly pertinent circumstances in the applicant's private and family life or, in the case of minors, if it is in the child's best interests.
In 1983, Arnold Schwarzenegger became a naturalised US citizen. As he was born in Austria, he would have lost his Austrian citizenship by acquiring US citizenship. However, he requested to keep his Austrian citizenship before applying for US citizenship, and his request was granted. In 2005, a member of the Austrian Parliament attempted to revoke Schwarzenegger's Austrian citizenship, but this was unsuccessful.
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Schwarzenegger was granted an exception to retain Austrian citizenship
Arnold Schwarzenegger is a well-known Austrian-American actor, businessman, former politician, and former professional bodybuilder. He was born on July 30, 1947, in Thal, Styria, Austria, and immigrated to the United States in 1968 at the age of 21. In 1983, Schwarzenegger became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Austria does not typically allow dual citizenship. However, Schwarzenegger was granted an exception and was allowed to retain his Austrian citizenship when he became a U.S. citizen. This special exemption was made in recognition of his prominent status as the "most prominent Austrian abroad," creating a positive image of Austria overseas. Schwarzenegger's case demonstrates the flexibility that can be applied in exceptional circumstances, even within strict citizenship laws.
Before obtaining U.S. citizenship, Schwarzenegger proactively requested the Austrian authorities to allow him to keep his Austrian citizenship. His request was granted, and he successfully retained his Austrian citizenship alongside acquiring U.S. citizenship. This exception highlights the importance of Schwarzenegger's reputation and contributions to both Austria and the United States.
In 2005, Peter Pilz, a member of the Austrian Parliament from the Austrian Green Party, attempted to revoke Schwarzenegger's Austrian citizenship. Pilz cited Article 33 of the Austrian Citizenship Act, arguing that Schwarzenegger's inaction during the executions of Donald Beardslee and Stanley Williams damaged Austria's interests and reputation. However, this effort was ultimately unsuccessful, and Schwarzenegger continued to hold dual citizenship.
Schwarzenegger's dual citizenship has had political implications. While he served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011, his Austrian citizenship prevented him from running for the U.S. presidency, as he is not a natural-born citizen of the United States. Schwarzenegger's unique citizenship status showcases the complexities that can arise in the intersection of nationality and political aspirations.
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Austrian Parliament tried to revoke citizenship in 2005
Arnold Schwarzenegger is a dual citizen of Austria and the United States. He was born in the village of Thal, Styria, Austria, in 1947 and moved to the United States in 1968. He became a naturalized US citizen in 1983 and requested to retain his Austrian citizenship, which Austria granted despite its strict stance against dual citizenship.
In 2005, Peter Pilz, a member of the Austrian Parliament from the Austrian Green Party, attempted to revoke Schwarzenegger's Austrian citizenship. Pilz cited Article 33 of the Austrian Citizenship Act, which states that a citizen serving in a foreign country's public service shall lose their Austrian citizenship if they severely damage the reputation or interests of the Austrian Republic. Pilz argued that Schwarzenegger's decision not to intervene in the executions of Donald Beardslee and Stanley Williams while serving as Governor of California damaged Austria's reputation and interests. Capital punishment is illegal in Austria and Europe, and Pilz believed Schwarzenegger's actions as governor broke Austrian law.
The attempt to revoke Schwarzenegger's citizenship was ultimately unsuccessful. Although Pilz's party held only a few parliamentary seats, his call sparked debate about the role of Austrian citizens in supporting or carrying out capital punishment abroad. It also highlighted Schwarzenegger's declining popularity in his home country due to his support for the death penalty.
This incident demonstrates the complexities of citizenship and the potential consequences of holding public office in a country with different laws and values from one's nation of citizenship. While Schwarzenegger retained his Austrian citizenship, the situation underscored the importance of navigating cultural and legal differences when serving in a public service role in a foreign country.
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Schwarzenegger was born in Thal, Austria
Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger was born on 30 July 1947 in Thal, a small village near Graz, in Styria, Austria. His mother was Aurelia Schwarzenegger (born Jadrny), and his father was Gustav Schwarzenegger, the local police chief. From a young age, Schwarzenegger took a keen interest in physical fitness and bodybuilding, going on to compete in several minor contests in Europe.
At the age of 15, Schwarzenegger began lifting weights. He won his first Mr. Universe title at the age of 20 and subsequently won the Mr. Olympia title seven times. Nicknamed the "Austrian Oak" during his bodybuilding days, Schwarzenegger is regarded as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. He has written books and articles about bodybuilding, including the autobiographical "Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder" (1977) and "The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding" (1998).
In 1968, at the age of 21, Schwarzenegger emigrated to the United States. He continued his bodybuilding career in his new country, winning five Mr. Universe titles and seven Mr. Olympia titles. He also began to break into the world of film, debuting as "Arnold Strong" in the low-budget film "Hercules in New York" (1970).
In 1983, Schwarzenegger became a naturalized US citizen. As Austria does not usually allow dual citizenship, he requested to keep his Austrian citizenship, and his request was granted. Schwarzenegger has since held dual citizenship in both Austria and the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Arnold Schwarzenegger did not lose his Austrian citizenship. He is a dual citizen of Austria and the United States.
Arnold Schwarzenegger became a naturalized US citizen on September 17, 1983.
Austria does not usually allow dual citizenship. However, a special exception was made for Arnold Schwarzenegger when he became a US citizen in 1983.
Yes, in 2005, Peter Pilz, a member of the Austrian Parliament, unsuccessfully advocated for Parliament to revoke Arnold Schwarzenegger's Austrian citizenship. He quoted Article 33 of the Austrian Citizenship Act, which states that a citizen who serves in a foreign country's public service and severely harms the Austrian Republic's interests or reputation shall be deprived of their citizenship.
