The long-standing policy allowing dual citizenship in the United States remains intact, the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC said on Saturday, dispelling concerns among Filipino-Americans and prospective migrants about possible changes in US nationality rules.

Officials emphasized that there have been no new directives or policy shifts from US authorities reversing or restricting recognition of dual nationality.

“The United States continues to allow dual citizenship, and there have been no changes to this policy,” the embassy said in a statement.

“Don't let misinformation stop you from becoming a dual citizen. Apply at the Philippine Embassy or Consulates in the United States.”

The statement came following recent online posts have circulated claiming that the United States would impose new restrictions and require individuals to renounce their citizenship as part of its intensified immigration crackdown.

The embassy explained that those Filipinos who lost their Philippine citizenship after becoming naturalized US citizens may still apply to reacquire Philippine citizenship under the country’s dual citizenship law.

Meanwhile, individuals born in the United States to at least one Filipino parent are considered dual Filipino-American citizens at birth. They are advised to report their birth to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate to ensure proper documentation of their Philippine citizenship.

However, dual citizens who voluntarily renounce their Philippine citizenship can no longer reacquire it under Republic Act 9225.

Authorities stress that voluntary renunciation is an irreversible legal act.

Reports of a proposed bill seeking to end dual citizenship in the United States have surfaced, but the Philippine Embassy noted that the measure remains pending in the US Senate and would still need to undergo extensive deliberations. It “may or may not proceed depending on the decisions of the US Congress,” the embassy said.

In previous advisories, the embassy emphasized that past efforts challenging dual or multiple citizenship in the United States did not prosper. It cited a 1952 ruling of the US Supreme Court affirming that dual citizenship is a “status long recognized by law.”

“A person may have and exercise rights of nationality in two countries and be subject to the responsibilities of both. The mere fact he asserts the rights of one citizenship does not mean that he renounces the other,” the Court stated in Kawakita v. United States (343 U.S. 717).

Under existing US laws, American citizens are not required to renounce another nationality when acquiring US citizenship.

Likewise, individuals who become naturalized US citizens may retain their original citizenship if permitted by the laws of their home country.

US authorities have maintained that while dual nationals owe allegiance to the United States when on American soil, they may also have rights and obligations in their other country of nationality.

The policy has long benefited millions of Filipino-Americans, particularly those who seek broader employment opportunities, family reunification, and property ownership rights in both countries.