Q: Can an asylee who holds a green card obtain a new nationality before becoming a US citizen?
I received a green card as an asylee. When I applied for asylum, I let the immigration officer know during the interview and on my I-589 application that I couldn't go anywhere else in the country of my nationality (let's call it country A) and be safe and that I renounced my previous citizenship of country B more than seven years ago. When I applied for the citizenship of country A, I was asked to complete a form to renounce my previous citizenship. It turned out, however, that I'm still a citizen of my previous country B (I was born there) because that form I filled out was not an official procedure to renounce the citizenship of country B. So my question is if I go to the embassy of country B and ask for a passport and travel to Europe (not the country I claimed asylum from) with that passport (it's too long to wait for RTD), would I have any problems when I apply for a citizenship in two years? I didn't lie at the interview, just said what I thought was true at that moment.
A: Impossible to answer without knowing the countries and their nationality laws. You should consult directly with an immigration attorney from the country you want to recuperate citizenship from.
A: Can an asylee who holds a green card obtain a new nationality before becoming a US citizen? Yes
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A:
As an asylee with a green card, you may be able to obtain a new nationality before becoming a US citizen. However, there are important legal considerations to keep in mind when navigating this process.
Renouncing your previous citizenship and obtaining a new nationality can have implications for your status as an asylee and your ability to remain in the United States. As an asylee, you may be required to maintain your identity as a refugee from the country of your persecution. Obtaining a new nationality could potentially impact your eligibility for asylum in the United States.
Additionally, if you travel using a passport from the country you claimed asylum from or any other passport that is not your own, you could face legal consequences, including revocation of your green card or even deportation.
In your specific case, it is important to consult with an immigration attorney who can provide legal guidance and help you navigate any potential legal issues related to obtaining a new nationality and traveling with a passport from a different country.
It is also important to disclose any changes in your circumstances to immigration officials, including any updates to your nationality or citizenship status. Failure to do so could impact your immigration status and eligibility for future benefits.
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