Who knows anything about obtaining dual (specifically Irish) citizenship?

[fricasseed_gourmet_rat]

I just posted some snarky comment about the IRA in GD, and then I thought of this Ireland-related business, and thought maybe a DUer would have an answer.

I'm relatively new to this emigration game, but Mr. Fricasseed and I have recently been talking about being expats. (I've mentioned him way too much on DU today; my apologies. He is in the UK, though, so I had an excuse.) This wouldn't be for a few years at the earliest, since we both have to finish school and make some money before we could consider it, but recently we've just gotten fed up with living under the Bush presidency and if a Bush crony (i.e. not a Dem or McCain/Hagel type Republican) wins in 2008, we're strongly considering getting the hell out of here.

The problem is the whole "working and not being a citizen" thing, and I hear that the immigration process is hell on Earth. But I'm wondering if citizenship by descent could possibly get me past this.

I am of Irish descent, but neither of my parents was born in Ireland. My paternal grandfather, however, is a dual US/Irish citizen because I believe one of his parents was born there but came to the US as a small child. The Irish Embassy Web site says that if your parent is an Irish citizen not born in Ireland (i.e. what my grandfather is), you can get your name registered in the Irish Register of Foreign Births and be a citizen by descent. Therefore, my father could become a citizen by descent (his older brother already has).

But my first question is, if my father becomes a citizen by descent (which I could probably convince him to do if that would make it possible for me to live and work overseas) then would I count as someone whose parent is "an Irish citizen not born in Ireland" and therefore be automatically eligible for the Register of Foreign Births myself? Or would the Dept. of Foreign Affairs in Dublin just be like "um, sorry, you're clearly just trying to weasel your way into our country, go away"?

And my second question is, if I'm a dual Irish citizen by descent, does that carry over into EU citizenship (i.e. if I want to live in Europe, but not necessarily Ireland, it'd be possible)?

Yeah. Crazy questions. And I don't even know what I'd do with Mr. Fricasseed even if I managed to get dual citizenship (I suppose we'd have to get married...and we're intentionally putting that off because the attitude here in the Northeast is that only hillbillies get married at 22). But if any DUers have any insight, that'd be AWESOME.

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. The Irish Consulate would

That's where I would start.

I wouldn't start with the American side of it, because they might be required to report anyone asking about citizenship transfer to Karl Rove, the IRS, the NSA, the FBI, the CIA, and a few other secret organizations that were developed under Shitbrain's "reduction of government" plan for the sole purpoise of spying on anyone who doesn't donate at least $50K a year to the republican party.

[grannylib]

2. I don't think the US allows dual citizenship. I think if you want citizen-

ship in another country, you have to give up your USC.

[evlbstrd]

5. I've met many people with dual citizenship.

[grannylib]

8. Have you? I always thought that you could get US and keep your old,

but that you could not keep US and get another, unless you had a parent born there or some damn thing.
Ah well. Dazed and confused, as usual! :dunce:

[evlbstrd]

9. Not your fault.

The laws regarding citizenship and immigration in this country are very screwed up. I work with a woman who is both a Brazilian and U.S. Citizen. She just took her oath a few months ago.

[Eugene]

11. I have dual citizenship.

It's okay as long as the other country
doesn't require you to renounce your
U.S. citizenship. I've also heard of a
certain Bostonian with dual U.S.-Irish nationality.

[wysi]

14. Not true.

It used to be the case, but the law was changed some time ago. (I am American by birth as well as Australian by naturalization).

[catzies]

3. I say, get your papers together and go talk to someone at the consulate

or if you can't, then make some phone calls. What have you got to lose?

[evlbstrd]

4. Your logic about the Irish citizens born abroad sounds good.

That just might get your dad citizenship. Maybe you could contact the Irish Embassy directly and ask.
I'd love to move to Ireland, but my family came in the Hunger of '47. Too many generations. sigh.

[Deja Q]

6. Have fun, but ultimately nowhere will be safe.

As I am unable to leave, I have but one option when the time comes.

Thank you.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

7. After obtaining Irish citizenship you have the right to work in the EU

Britain might be a good option. The language and culture will not be too much of a shock. Also Republic of Ireland citizens resident in Britain can vote in British elections.

[Jara sang]

10. here ya go:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=298x999

[two gun sid]

12. Dia duit. DUer Jara sang recently posted about...

dual Irish/US citizenship in the Irish Affairs group.

Go n'éirí an t-ádh leat. (Good Luck!).

[fricasseed_gourmet_rat]

13. SWEEEEEET.

Didn't even know we HAD an Irish Affairs group.

I'll probably give my dad a good scare by telling him that I want to get EU citizenship and move out of the country, but he's a good Democrat. He'll understand.