No US ban on dual citizenship, Philippine envoy tells Fil-Ams

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez reassured Filipino-Americans that there is no ban on dual citizenship in the United States, emphasizing that maintaining both Philippine and American citizenship offers opportunities for deeper engagement with their homeland and participation in nation-building efforts.

- By MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

Speaking before members of the Filipino community during a reception marking the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence and the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., Romualdez addressed what he described as persistent misinformation surrounding dual citizenship.

“Despite the misinformation online, there is no ban on dual citizenship in the U.S. nor is it deemed inimical to your continued residence in the United States: you do not have to choose one citizenship over another,” he said.

Dual citizenship and nation-building

Romualdez underscored the importance of dual citizenship for Filipino-Americans seeking to maintain meaningful ties with the Philippines while continuing to build their lives in the United States.

“As I have said before, dual citizenship has no disadvantages,” Romualdez said. “In fact, it unlocks many opportunities and allows generations of Filipino-Americans to maintain meaningful ties to both countries.”

He also highlighted the role of dual citizenship in enabling overseas Filipinos to participate in Philippine democracy, particularly through voting in national elections.

“It also offers the most direct and meaningful way that you may be able to help in nation-building—by exercising the right to vote for our leaders in the coming national elections,” he added.

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