Good Op-Ed from a series of articles on citizenship in the Los Angeles Times. This one deals with the issue of dual citizenship. Peter J. Spiro holds a liberal view of dual citizenship in contrast to the conservative Stanley Renshon. (Irene Bloemraad has also written extensively on dual-citizenship). Its a pity that some in Belize get into discussions about this issue do so with limited knowledge. Here are few excerpts from the Op-Ed: Most naturalization applicants keep their original citizenship as they acquire U.S. citizenship. Dual citizenship is now a common aspect of globalization, but it was once the bane of nations. Many states allow their shared citizens to participate in national elections even though they arent residents. Italian Americans with shared citizenship, who are perfectly free to vote in the U.S., can also vote for a North American representative to the Italian Parliament. Citizenship becomes a tool for cementing trans-boundary diaspora ties. Its true that new U.S. citizens are still required to renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, of whom or which [they] have heretofore been a subject or citizen. The oath has never been enforced by U.S. authorities. Citizenship is an important part of individual identity. Theres no reason it needs to be exclusive. Those of us who are U.S. citizens also have other associations: religions, civic institutions, advocacy groups. latimes/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-spiro-dual-citizenship-advantages-20141030-story.html
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 04:27:02 +0000