Dual Citizenship Possible for Indian Nationals
Posted Jan 18, 2002

The Prime Minister of India, Atal Behari Vajpayee, announced on January 8, 2002 that the Indian government had resolved the issue of dual citizenship for Indians living abroad. The announcement was issued after receipt of a report from the High Level Committee on Indian Disporia. The Committee identified the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, a large part of Europe, and Singapore for implementation of dual citizenship.

The Prime Minister noted, "... we are in favor of dual citizenship, but not dual loyalty." He clarified that Indians settled abroad should have loyalty to their countries of residence, and act within their responsibilities as citizens of those countries.

For our many Indian readers of the MurthyBulletin and MurthyDotCom, these changes may come as a welcome relief. The Law Office of Sheela Murthy generally recommends that individuals who are eligible to become citizens of the U.S. should do so. There are many benefits to U.S. citizenship. This matter will be covered separately in future articles. In some instances, family-based sponsorship requires naturalization of the sponsor. It can be emotionally difficult for one to denounce his or her former country of allegiance in order to become a U.S. citizen.

With the Indian government now willing to allow dual citizenship many here will find it easier to choose citizenship in the U.S. – the country they have adopted as their home – while retaining their bonds and ties to the country of their births.