Can anyone inform me of the current status of dual nationality: German-American?Thank?

Mimarspre

The principle of the avoidance of multiple nationality still marks the german law on nationality. Those applying for naturalization must in principle give up their foreign nationality. However in contrast to previous legislation, their are generous rules governing exceptions which allow the previous nationality to be retained. These apply for example to elderly persons and victims of political persecution. If release from the foreign nationality is legally impossible or unacceptable for such persons, for example due to high release fees or degrading methods of release, they can retain their previous nationality. This is also the case if the release from the foreign nationality would bring considerable disadvantages, especially economic disadvantages or problems with property and assets.

In the other hand it is now easier for former Germans who have lost their previous right to German nationality by acquiring a foreign nationality (Section 25 StAG) to re-acquire German nationality if they are ordinarily resident in the country and fulfil certain other prerequisites.

Former Germans can also re-acquire German nationality without having to give up their place of residence abroad, although considerable importance attaches to the position adopted by the relevant foreign mission (Section 13 StAG).

Foreigners can acquire German nationality abroad provided this is justified by special ties to Germany (Section 14 StAG).

It is now easier for Germans who acquire a foreign nationality to retain their German nationality under certain conditions. According to Section 25 (2) of StAG, public and private interests are to be taken into consideration for the decision on an authorization for nationality retention. For German persons living abroad the key factor is whether they have continuing ties to Germany, for instance close relatives or property in Germany. Please note that permission to retain German nationality has to be received prior to acquiring a foreign nationality.

You can get more information about this matter (incl. the german naturalization act in english in the following web (Official site of the german Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/diplo/en/WillkommeninD/EinreiseUndAufenthalt/Staatsangehoerigkeitsrecht.html#t2

NOTE: The abreviation StAG means "StaatsangehÃ¶rigkeitsgesetz" = Law on Nationality or Naturalization Act

dognhorsemom

The Germans are a little touchy about dual citizenship. In principal, it is not recognized. German citizens abroad who acquire another citizenship can forego the automatic forfeiture of their German citizenship by obtaining a decree from German authorities permitting them to retain their German citizenship. After January 1, 2000, dual citizenship is allowed until age 23.

On the other hand, the US has no laws against dual citizenship - only warnings that US citizenship might be lost if certain expatriating acts are performed: In effect, you have to want to lose US citizenship in order to lose it:
http://www.travel.state.gov/law/citizenship/citizenship_778.html

V B

I'm not sure. Contact both the American and German Council
offices and ask this question.

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