Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
I'm not sure what it says about the readership of Politico that this story was more read yesterday than coverage of President Obama's pivot on gay marriage (perhaps that the publication's readership is jaded enough to realize that the latter wasn't really 'news' to anyone), but it's interesting nonetheless
Rep. Michele Bachmann is now officially a Swiss miss.
Bachmann (R-Minn.) recently became a citizen of Switzerland, making her eligible to run for office in the tiny European nation, according to a Swiss TV report Tuesday.
Arthur Honegger, a reporter for public broadcaster Schweizer Fernsehen, told POLITICO the Swiss consulate in Chicago has confirmed that the former Republican presidential candidate became a citizen March 19.
...
Marcus Bachmann, the congresswoman’s husband since 1978, reportedly was eligible for Swiss citizenship due to his parents’ nationality — but only registered it with the Swiss government Feb. 15. Once the process was finalized on March 19, Michele automatically became a citizen as well, according to Honegger.
This would bother me regardless of the individual in question. It wrankles a little more when it's a sitting member of Congress and a recent presidential candidate.
I know that the vast majority of people who acquire dual citizenship -- including some of my friends -- do so for logistical or cultural reasons, none of which are particularly threatening to anyone. But still, the concept itself has never sat well with me. On a principled level, citizenship just seems like one of those concepts that is, by its very definition, exclusionary. I can't help but regard the practice as something tantamount to civic bigamy.
You tell me. Am I overreacting to a harmless practice? Or is there something worthy of resistance in this blurring of national allegiances?
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Comments:
Oct '10
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
Yes, you are overreacting. 'National allegiances' are a very, very recent development, after all. ([Dons leftist-inspired tinfoil hat]: Isn't this all an obvious anti-Israeli, -Catholic and perhaps even -Mormon dogwhistle...)
Mar '11
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
Troy, I agree with you. But, if you take a look at the post I started in the Member Feed on this very subject, you'll see we may be in the minority.
Dec '10
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
If the person plans to actively participate in "civics" of the other country, I could see your point. But I guess I see situations like this as something akin to honorary doctorates awarded by a college/university. She'll be able to call herself a Swiss citizen, but it's unless she plans to run for office over there as well, it's harmless.
Oct '10
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
I thought America didn't allow this? I'm undecided on the issue with respect to other developed nations, and I agree, it is a little off-putting. Still, we're all Western, allies, and culturally compatible (even Japan, to an extent) so I'm not sure how much it matters.
May '12
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
Well, she is a sitting member of Congress, and has in the recent past tried for better. Perhaps she is signalling that she wants to step back.
I am not certain I am wholly comfortable with the idea of dual citizenship, but for people who travel a lot in certain parts of the world, pulling an Irish or Swiss passport rather than an American one can make a whole lot of difference.
Outside of that, how much of an expat does she plan on being?
Dec '10
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
yes, you are overreacting
Mar '11
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
That's my understanding, also - when I became a US citizen I was supposed to renounce any other citizenship, and I am always supposed to travel on a US passport.
The reality is that many people have at least two citizenships, but it does seem strange for an ex-Presidential candidate to do this.
I wont even mention Mr Obama.
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
Bachmann's case obviously doesn't trouble on the merits. Switzerland isn't exactly Syria and the citizenship was automatically conveyed because of her husband's status. But that's not really my point. My point is that, were I Bachmann, I would want to refuse the Swiss citizenship status. I can't say that I regard American citizenship as divisible.
Edited on May 10, 2012 at 7:46pmApr '11
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
As a dual citizen myself, this is overreacting. Allegiances are always manifold, and always prioritized. Call it 'divided' if you must, but it's not that hard to figure, especially in the particular case in question. However, from the U.S. State Department website:
"A U.S. citizen may acquire foreign citizenship by marriage, or a person naturalized as a U.S. citizen may not lose the citizenship of the country of birth.U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one citizenship or another. Also, a person who is automatically granted another citizenship does not risk losing U.S. citizenship. However, a person who acquires a foreign citizenship by applying for it may lose U.S. citizenship. In order to lose U.S. citizenship, the law requires that the person must apply for the foreign citizenship voluntarily, by free choice, and with the intention to give up U.S. citizenship.
Intent can be shown by the person's statements or conduct.The U.S. Government recognizes that dual nationality exists but does not encourage it as a matter of policy because of the problems it may cause..."
Edited on May 10, 2012 at 7:54pmMar '11
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
I'm a citizen of both USA and Great Britain. It's like rooting for two teams in the same sport of but from different cities. I've transplanted to southern California and my kids root for the Angels. I'm a Philly boy, so I live and die with the Phillies. In support of my kids, I am pleasantly amused when the Angels win.
Sadly, both teams stink.
May '10
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
I'm just jealous.
May '12
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
I am not concerned about her dual citizenship, but I also don't live in her district.
As far as there being more interest in the dual citizenship story, that seems logical. Presiden't Obama's 'evolution-conclusion' seemed like an over dramatized confession of what was already well known. Nothing to see there.
Oct '11
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
"No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State."
Surely, "citizen" should count as a a title "of any kind whatever, from any...foreign state.
Nov '10
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
If only she could debate in Chinese...
Oct '11
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
Yeah, or she could start talking "Swiss," as Obama would say.
Feb '11
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
If it isn't a problem for millions of Mexicans to be both US and Mexican citizens then it shouldn't be a problem for Bachmann.
Jun '10
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
Others have made the distinction between "passive" dual citizenship and "active" dual citzenship. Some nations make you a citizen becuase you were born there or because you married someone who was born there, regardles that you're a full American citizen, and that is largely out of your control. Often that is done for purposes of taxation and conscription. My wife was a dual US/BRD (west germany) citizen because she was born in Stuttgart to a US Army sergeant and his wife. At 18 she had to adopt or renounce it, and she renounced it.
Bachmann appears to have had a passive dual citizenship by virtue of her husband's, but then took active steps "as a family" to confirm it.
Citizenship is one or the other, and when it is within your knowledge or control, you should renounce all but one. You certainly should not serve in congress having actively fostered citizenship in another country. I love Michele Bachmann, but this was a bad move.
Jun '10
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
I don't know why the Bachmanns did it, but some Americans do it just so that they can travel more safely in dangerous parts of the world. They can use their other passport.
May '10
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
Agreed.
And agreed.
All people have conflicting loyalties. Such conflicts are the focus of most great literature throughout history precisely because they are such a common and pivotal part of human existence.
But a national politician should swear loyalty to only the nation he or she represents. Even allied nations spy on each other and exercise conflicting interests.
Apr '11
Re: Dual Citizenship: Contradiction in Terms?
Dual citizenship is like one claiming two religions. It just isn't possible. If I claimed to be both Jewish and Catholic I am clearly lying about being one or both of those things. It is a terrible inconsistency that though seeming harmless really chips away at the vary notion of Nationhood. I ask can one be a triple citizen, or quadruple citizen? This is both a disservice to Switzerland and the United States undermining the idea of both nations.
Think about it. If the US gave citizenship to every Canadian is that not the same thing as annexing Canada? It would be a first step to it. Claiming citizens in foreign lands has in the past 100 years always been a root cause of War. Look at Nazi Germany and Putin's Russia.
Edited on May 10, 2012 at 10:00pm