Q&A: DO THE U.S. AND THE PHILIPPINES STILL RECOGNIZE DUAL CITIZENSHIP? THE LAW, THE FACTS, AND THE DANGERS OF FAKE NEWS By Atty. Arnedo S. Valera

Q&A: DO THE U.S. AND THE PHILIPPINES STILL RECOGNIZE DUAL CITIZENSHIP? THE LAW, THE FACTS, AND THE DANGERS OF FAKE NEWS

By Atty. Arnedo S. Valera

Q: Is it true that the United States no longer recognizes dual citizenship?

A: No. That is false. The United States continues to recognize and permit dual citizenship.

There is no U.S. law prohibiting dual or multiple citizenships. In fact, U.S. Supreme Court decisions and long-standing immigration policies confirm that Americans may hold more than one nationality, provided their acquisition of another nationality is not accompanied by a voluntary renunciation of U.S. citizenship.

🔍 Legal Basis:

• U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual (7 FAM 080):
  “A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to their U.S. citizenship if the naturalization is not intended to relinquish U.S. citizenship.”
  
• Afroyim v. Rusk, 387 U.S. 253 (1967):
  The Supreme Court ruled that a U.S. citizen cannot be involuntarily stripped of citizenship simply for voting in a foreign country or acquiring foreign nationality.
• Vance v. Terrazas, 444 U.S. 252 (1980):
  The Court reaffirmed that intention to relinquish is key — citizenship cannot be lost without clear, voluntary intent.

Q: Do Filipinos who become U.S. citizens lose their Philippine citizenship?

A: Not anymore — thanks to R.A. 9225, the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003.

Under this Philippine law, former natural-born Filipinos who became naturalized citizens of another country, like the U.S., may reacquire or retain their Philippine citizenship by taking an Oath of Allegiance before a Philippine consulate or authorized office.

This means you can legally be a dual citizen of the U.S. and the Philippines — enjoying the rights and duties of both countries.

Q: What about Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders)? Can they also be dual citizens?

A: Green card holders are not yet U.S. citizens — so technically, they retain sole citizenship with their country of origin (e.g., the Philippines) while enjoying permanent residence in the U.S.

However, once they naturalize (after meeting residency and other requirements), they can acquire U.S. citizenship and thereafter, reacquire Philippine citizenship under R.A. 9225 — becoming lawful dual citizens.

Q: Which other countries allow or prohibit dual citizenship?

Here is a concise summary:

Countries that Permit Dual Citizenship (with or without restriction):

• Philippines – through R.A. 9225
• Canada, UK, France, Italy, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, South Africa, United States
• Israel – allows multiple citizenships under the Law of Return
• Germany – now allows dual citizenship after 2024 reforms

Countries That Generally Prohibit or Restrict Dual Citizenship:

• China – strictly prohibits; acquiring a foreign nationality may result in automatic loss of Chinese citizenship
• India – does not recognize dual citizenship but offers Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status
• Japan – requires dual citizens to choose one nationality by age 22
• Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, UAE – typically restrict or disallow dual nationality, though exceptions exist

Note: Each country defines its own rules, so dual nationals must understand the implications under both legal systems.

Q: What happens if I hold dual citizenship but only use one passport?

**A: U.S. law requires that all U.S. citizens — including dual nationals — enter and exit the United States using their U.S. passport. This is stated in:

• 8 U.S.C. § 1185(b)
• Department of State regulations

Using a foreign passport to enter or leave the U.S. may result in delays, secondary inspection, or legal complications.

Q: There are Facebook posts claiming dual citizenship is being revoked or "no longer allowed." Is this true?

A: No. These are dangerous pieces of misinformation and false legal interpretations.

There is no executive order, law, or memorandum from the U.S. government eliminating dual citizenship rights. Similarly, the Philippine government continues to recognize dual citizens under R.A. 9225, and both the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and DFA consular posts affirm this policy.

Fake news — particularly via unverified Facebook pages, YouTube channels, and TikTok accounts — are deliberately misleading the public. These false claims are not only legally baseless, but they also cause confusion, panic, and unnecessary renunciations of citizenship.

Truth Matters in Law and Citizenship

In this age of digital manipulation and social media disinformation, your legal status should never be based on viral posts, TikTok rants, or political propaganda. Your rights — especially as a dual citizen — are grounded in the laws of nations, not opinions of influencers.

Dual citizenship remains legal, recognized, and protected in both the United States and the Philippines — provided it is lawfully acquired.

Before making any decision affecting your nationality or immigration status, consult a licensed immigration attorney or legal expert. The consequences of relying on misinformation can be irreversible.

Do not let fake news strip you of your real rights.

References:

• U.S. State Department Foreign Affairs Manual: 7 FAM 080
• Afroyim v. Rusk, 387 U.S. 253 (1967)
• Vance v. Terrazas, 444 U.S. 252 (1980)
• Republic Act No. 9225 (Philippines)
• 8 U.S.C. § 1481 and § 1185(b)
• Commission on Filipinos Overseas: www.cfo.gov.ph
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): www.uscis.gov

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Mayor Adams, NYPD Commissioner Tisch Expand Quality of Life Division to Continue Enhancing Public Safety, Community Trust

 

Expansion Includes All NYPD Precincts Across Five Boroughs, Starting in July and Continuing Through August

Pilot Precincts Yielded 7,500 Quality of Life Calls, Over 6,100 Summonses, and 357 Arrests in First 60 Days

Expansion Continues Effort to Strengthen Public Confidence by Addressing New Yorkers’ Everyday Concerns 

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch on Monday, June16, announced a citywide expansion of the NYPD’s Quality of Life Division — a strategic public safety initiative Mayor Adams and Commissioner Tisch launched in April 2025 to address everyday issues that impact New Yorkers’ sense of safety and well-being.

In the first 60 days of the pilot program — launched in the 13th, 40th, 60th, 75th, and 101st precincts, along with Police Service Area 1 — the NYPD responded to more than 7,500 emergency 911 and 311 quality-of-life calls, issued over 6,100 summonses, and made 357 arrests. During the same period, average 311 response times in those areas improved by more than 16 minutes. Building on those results, the NYPD will now expand Quality of Life Teams — or Q-Teams — to every precinct and public housing command in the five boroughs. The rollout will occur in two phases, beginning in July and continuing in August.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe and tackling quality-of-life issues has been our North Star since day one — that is why we launched the NYPD Quality of Life Division, and it’s why we’re expanding it across the city today,” said Mayor Adams. “The first 60 days of this pilot has been a resounding success; in just the six pilot commands, the Quality of Life Division has answered the call from our communities more than 7,500 times — handling thousands of 911 and 311 complaints, issuing over 6,100 summonses, making more than 350 arrests, and removing hundreds of illegally parked vehicles, illegal mopeds, and scooters. Today, we are continuing to sweep out crime and deliver on safety by expanding this program citywide because every New Yorker deserves to live in a neighborhood that is safe from gun violence, that has clean streets, and that is free from illegal activities — and we are delivering that to them every day, everywhere.”

“In just two months, the Quality of Life Division has done exactly what we set out to do: respond quickly, stay focused, and address the issues New Yorkers are calling about,” said NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “Now, we’re scaling that success citywide. From illegal smoke shops to abandoned vehicles to reckless mopeds, these are the problems people see every day and expect action on. This expansion is about bringing that same responsiveness to every neighborhood in every borough. And thanks to Mayor Adams’ support, we’re making sure New Yorkers not only are safe, but feel safe — on their block, on their train, and outside their front door.”

Pilot Program Results

Since April , pilot Q-Teams have conducted 92 targeted operations and responded to over 7,500 911 and 311 quality-of-life calls. Their results include:

• 6,114 summonses issued (2,750 parking, 1,560 moving, 932 Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, 872 criminal court)
• 492 vehicles towed for violations
• 357 arrests
• 28 e-bikes and 157 mopeds/scooters seized

In addition to Q-Team operations, the following NYPD units also contributed to addressing quality-of-life conditions during the pilot period in the pilot commands, with the following additional results:

• Vehicle Response Team: 994 vehicles towed
• Smoke Shop Task Force: 42 inspections and eight padlocks
• Encampment Team: 105 site visits, 59 cleanings, and one successful placement into shelter
• Community Link: 71 operations yielding 526 summonses, 384 towed vehicles, 90 seized scooters, seven arrests, and one successful placement of an undomiciled individual

The Quality of Life Division brings together specially trained officers from across the NYPD — including neighborhood coordination officers, youth coordination officers, and traffic safety officers — into focused Q-Teams dedicated to resolving chronic conditions in neighborhoods. These teams operate at the precinct level, led by a Quality of Life Division sergeant and reporting directly to precinct leadership.

Officers will continue to receive specialized training in addressing non-emergency issues like noise complaints, derelict vehicles, illegal vending, outdoor drug use, reckless scooter riding, and encampments. In addition to enforcement tools, Q-Teams are trained in discretionary responses and alternative solutions tailored to specific conditions.

Each Q-Team is backed by the division’s Analytics and Support Unit, which monitors trends and 311 data to assist direct operations. Monthly Q-Stat meetings — modeled after CompStat — review outcomes, identify areas of concern, and drive accountability across precincts.

The citywide expansion will also deepen collaboration between the Quality of Life Division and the NYPD’s Community Affairs Bureau, ensuring more responsive engagement with residents and businesses. The goal is to make sure every New Yorker feels seen, heard, and safe in their community.

NYC311 is a non-emergency service that allows residents to report issues and request city services. This latest phase of the NYPD Quality of Life Division supports the department’s mission of keeping every New Yorker in every borough safe through police and community partnership. As seen through the pilot program, the expanded Quality of Life Division will continue to work with precinct personnel and the Community Affairs Bureau, allowing for the direct deployment of resources to specific needs within their communities.

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Opinion: As the Philippines Commemorate Independence, Democracy in Turmoil; VP Sarah Duterte's Impeachment Trial In Limbo By Manuel L. Caballero

ON MY WATCH

By MANUEL L. CABALLERO 

ON ITS 127TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY, THE PHILIPPINES IS IN CHAOS; ITS DEMOCRACY IN TURMOIL; 18 OF ITS SENATORS ACCUSED OF NAKEDLY VIOLATING THE NATION'S HIGHEST LAW; WITH AN IMPEACHED VICE PRESIDENT FOR CORRUPTION AND BETRAYAL FREELY ROAMING THE WORLD

As the PH observes its Independence Day today, June 12, the Filipino people, its legal thinkers, its opinion makers, its congressmen and women in the House of Representatives are one in vurtually accusing its Senate President and 18 senators of "mental infirmity". The latter officials are said to be preventing the conduct of an impeachment trial of its impeached vice president Sara Duterte due to personal interests in direct contravention of the clear provisions of the PH Constitution. 

Perhaps, thinking they could soften the anger of their accusers, the  senators were made to take the oath as judges of an impeachment court, but at the same time, returned the VP's Articles of Impeachment back to its source, the House of Representatives. This process is not provided for in the nation's Constitution. So, there is an impeachment court, but no case to try.

Senate President Chiz Escudero ordered the impeached VP to answer the charges against her within 10 days after receipt of the summons. So, if she keeps travelling outside the country, she could be in receipt of her summons months from today. After receiving the answers of the impeached official, that is the only time Mr. Escudero will schedule the date and time of the VP's appearance before the impeachment court, assuming it will ever happen.

Mukhang ginagago talaga ang taong bayan. Will the glorious People Power Revolution of 1986 repeat itself before year end in order to directly make the power abusers accountable?

A Filipino Catholic priest compared the widely-condemned 18 senators and Senate President to Bible's Judas.

Former Senate President Franklin Drilon warned his former colleagues to act accordingly. "Baka masunog kayo;" he said.

Constitutionalists are one in saying above-said senators are in direct violation of the PH Constitution.

Even if the so-called Judases are able to stop the impeachment trial, the bar of public opinion has obviously damaged severely the character and reputation of Mr. Escudero and his gang of 18. The same public has found VP Sara Duterte guilty of the accusations against her. Her presidential ambition in 2028 is now in danger of dying.

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New York State Capitol Hosts Third Annual Philippine Independence Celebration

The Filipino-American community, together with New York State legislators, gather for a group photo at The Well in the New York State Capitol in commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. (Photo by Michael Magsombol)

ALBANY, NY – The Filipino spirit echoed through the halls of the New York State Capitol, on Friday, June 6, as hundreds gathered for the 127th Philippine Independence Day Celebration. 

Filipino-American community at the Assembly Chamber. (Photos by Nikka Arenal)

Held in partnership by the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the Office of Assemblymember Steven Raga, Kalayaan 1521 Council, the Foundation for Filipino Artists, Inc., Kinding Sindaw, Likha Gallery, Hapag Bistro, Dare to Change Consulting, Inc., and Galleros Robinson, the event marked the third consecutive year the event took place at the seat of the New York State government.

New York state legislators deliver congratulatory messages during the program. (Photos by Nikka Arenal)

The event commenced at the New York State Assembly Chamber, where Assemblymember Raga, the highest-ranking Filipino-American official ever elected in New York, introduced the Filipino-American community and acknowledged the presence of Consul General Senen T. Mangalile and the delegation from the City of Bacoor, Cavite. The legislators responded with a round of applause, showing their support for the commemoration of Philippine Independence.

Cultural presentations featured a vibrant Sinulog dance by the Capital District Albany troupe, a traditional bearer dance by Kinding Sindaw, and a contemporary Maranao performance by the Filipino American Society of St. Joan of Arc. (Photos by Nikka Arenal)

Following the introduction at the Assembly Chamber, attendees reconvened at The Well for a dynamic cultural program that highlighted the vibrancy of Filipino heritage through performances by various Filipino-American organizations and community members.

(L-R) Program host and journalist Anna Sterling, singer Angela Ram, and members of the El Gobernador Band of Bacoor, Cavite, who opened the program with performances of the U.S. and Philippine national anthems. (Photos by Nikka Arenal and Michael Magsombol)

The program, hosted by Ms. Anna Sterling, began with the rendition of the U.S. national anthem sung by Angela Ram, followed by the “Lupang Hinirang” performed by the El Gobernador Band of Bacoor, Cavite

(L-R) Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, Assemblymember Steven Raga, and Mayor Strike Revilla deliver their remarks during the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence celebration at the New York State Capitol. (Photos by Nikka Arenal)

The cultural presentation continued with a  Sinulog dance by the Sinulog Dance Troupe of the Capital District Albany to honor the Santo Niño, followed by a traditional bearer dance from Kinding Sindaw rooted in the royal heritage of Mindanao, and a contemporary Maranao performance by the Filipino American Society of St. Joan of Arc that blended cultural tradition with a modern perspective.

In his opening remarks, Assemblymember Raga warmly welcomed attendees, expressed gratitude for their support and participation, and celebrated the strength and unity of the Filipino-American community in the United States. 

The El Gobernador Band of Bacoor, Cavite concluded the celebration with the performance of “Piliin mo ang Pilipinas.” (Photo by Michael Magsombol)

Consul General Mangalile emphasized the growing unity and pride within the Filipino-American community honoring leaders such as Assemblymember Raga and Mayor Strike Revilla of Bacoor, Cavite. He also highlighted the importance of the theme “Kalayaan.” He stated, “Kalayaan” is not merely a chapter in our history—it is a living ideal, a continuing pursuit that calls on each generation to rise, to participate, and to uphold. It is not confined to a date or a place, but lives in our everyday acts of courage, compassion, and commitment to the common good.”

Mayor Revilla expressed his heartfelt congratulations and pride in the celebration of Philippine independence on an international stage. He highlighted the vital role of cultural events—such as the participation of Banda El Gobernador from the marching band capital of the Philippines—in reflecting the rich heritage and passion of the community. He also emphasized the importance of the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen ties between Filipino communities abroad, local governments, and potential investors to foster collaboration and growth.

The program also featured congratulatory messages from several state legislators, namely Assemblymembers Manny De Los Santos, Jessica González-Rojas, Emerita Torres, Phara Souffrant Forrest, Larinda Hooks, and Marcela Mitaynes.

The event concluded with the rendition of the El Gobernador Band of “Piliin mo ang Pilipinas.” 

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