Have you ever wanted to take your heritage beyond something like a clan tartan? More Americans are officially declaring their ancestral identity through dual citizenship. It’s easier to get than you may think. Some countries offer citizenship to descendants of immigrants.
Ireland, for example, welcomes descendants who wish to return to their ancestral homeland. With the proper paperwork and documentation, you could be well on your way to acquiring Irish citizenship. If your grandparent was born in Ireland, you’re eligible. But you have to do your homework first. Gather birth certificates, passports and marriage certificates to prove your Irish heritage. And don’t worry: You won’t have to renounce your Canadian or US citizenship.
You can apply for dual citizenship in other countries, too. Here are some websites that outline various countries’ laws regarding claiming dual citizenship:
Germany
German Missions in the United States
Ireland
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Israel
Acquisition of Israeli Nationality
Italy
Italian Embassy, Washington, DC
Various Embassies
Embassy World (World Embassies Directory)
Foreign Embassies of Washington, DC
US State Department of State
A version of this article appeared in the April 2003 issue of Family Tree Magazine.
