In 1957, I was born on in France. My Father was on active duty in the
US Army and both parents were US citizens. I left France when I was
1.5 years old and have never returned.

Question: Am I eligible for French citizenship (actually dual citizenship
since I?d certainly want to retain my US citizenship!)?

Thank you!

Dear That Helps, 

I'm afraid that the answer is negative. You cannot gain a French
citizenship based on your birth in France or on the fact that you
lived there for a year and a half afterwards.

The French law (Civil Code, Articles 17 and henceforth) grants French citizenship: 

- To a child born to French parents; adopted by French parents; born
to unknown parents (abandoned); born to stateless parents or to
parents who could not grant the child their nationality.

- "  Every child born in France of foreign parents acquires French
nationality on his coming of age where, at that time, he has his
residence in France and has had his usual residence in France for a
continuous or discontinuous period of at least five years, from the
age of eleven.

            The tribunaux d'instance, local authorities, public bodies
and services and especially educational establishments are obliged to
inform the public, and in particular those persons to whom paragraph 1
applies, of the provisions in force in matters of nationality. The
requirements as to that information shall be prescribed by a decree in
Conseil d'État."
(SOURCE: Civil Code, 21-7)

- "            A minor child born in France of foreign parents may
from the age of sixteen claim French nationality by declaration, in
the way laid down in Articles 26 and following where, at the time of
his declaration, he has in France his residence and has had his usual
residence in France for a continuous or discontinuous period of at
least five years, from the age of eleven.

            Under the same terms, French nationality may be claimed,
on behalf of the minor child born in France of foreign parents, from
the age of thirteen and with his personal consent, in which event the
requirement of usual residence in France should be fulfilled from the
age of eight."
(SOURCE: ibid., 21-11)


- Marriage to a French citizen under some restrictions, see Art 21-2 

- People of French cultural heritage

- French speaking alient who contributes to the society. 

I hope this answered your question. 

Source: French CIVIL CODE, "Translated by Georges ROUHETTE, Professor
of the University of Clermont-Ferrand I, with the co-operation of Anne
BERTON, Professor of the University of Clermont-Ferrand II" 
<http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/html/codes_traduits/code_civil_textA.htmY>

Please contact me if you need any clarifications on this answer before you rate it.

---

Request for Answer Clarification by thathelps-ga on 28 Apr 2004 13:23 PDT

Thank you for your quick response. 

Just to be sure, do you believe that the source you site includes the
recent ?Act of 16 March 1998? as described on
http://www.archives.premier-ministre.gouv.fr/jospin_version3/en/ie4/contenu/29905.htm

---

Clarification of Answer by politicalguru-ga on 28 Apr 2004 16:55 PDT

Dear That Helps, 

Yes. As you can see in the source I cited, amendments according to the
1998 changes, are noted there.

Quick and to the point! I really liked how you did the short summary
at the top then sited specifics below--nice work. You clearly know
what your doing. I would certainly use this service again.

The United States does not officially recognize "dual citizenship."

The US State Department says: "The United States does not recognize
dual citizenship; however, it does not forbid it. Despite the fact
that we allow citizens to hold other nationalities, the U.S.
government's view is those people continue to be U.S. citizens,
period."

http://www.migrationint.com.au/news/american_samoa/may_2001-05mn.asp

How can one be French ? ;-) (Remember Montesquieu!)