Hello,

        Hello, I am a US citizen (born in Colorado in 1971), but my
mother is from England. She tells me that legislation was recently
passed that would allow me to claim British citizenship as well (to
hold dual-citizenship). I understand that previously only children of
British fathers, children born after 1982, or children of British
mothers who claimed citizenship by 1982 could do this. Am I eligible
for British citizenship? If so, what do I need to do?

      Thank You!

Dear brianma,

It is correct that children born outside the United Kingdom to British
mothers between 7 February 1961 and 1 January 1983 are entitled to
apply for registration as a UK citizen, provided that certain
requirements are met.
Please understand that, since I don't know your exact family
background and the circumstances of your birth, I can not give a
definitive statement on your particular case. But it is likely that,
if your mother was a UK citizen at the time of your birth, you are
entitled to apply for registration as a UK citizen.

The full requirements are too extensive to provide a brief version
here. But the British government provides an online leaflet with all
necessary information, including instructions on how to apply:
http://www.uknationality.gov.uk/ind/en/home/applying/british_nationality/advice_about_nationality/b13_-_british_citizenship.html?

For any additional questions that relate to the specific circumstances
of your particular case, you may want to contact the competent British
government agency:

Home Office IND
Immigration & Nationality Policy Directorate
3rd Floor, India Buildings
Water Street
Liverpool L2 OQN
United Kingdom
--
Telephone: +44(0)845-010-5200
E-Mail: nationalityenquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Website: http://www.uknationality.gov.uk/ind/en/home.html

I hope that this will be helpful!
Regards,
Scriptor

Thank you much! This is very helpful.

You can claim British citizenship anytime since one of your parents is
a natural citizen of Britain. Also, Britain recognizes
dual-citizenship. However, to date, the US does not recognize dual
nationality with any country except Israel. To my knowledge, there is
no harm in retaining your original nationality prior to obtaining US
citizenship. However, claimimg or accepting a citizenship most-likely
is viewed as an act of relinquishing your US citizenship. Your best
bet would be to validate with an Immigration lawyer or with the US
Dept. of State.

It's a fallacy that the U.S. doesn't recognize dual citizenship. As
long as you don't renounce your U.S. citizenship, it is not taken away
from you.

"...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, dual nationals owe allegiance to both the United States and
the foreign country. They are required to obey the laws of both
countries. Either country has the right to enforce its laws,
particularly if the person later travels there. Most U.S. citizens,
including dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave
the United States. Dual nationals may also be required by the foreign
country to use its passport to enter and leave that country. Use of
the foreign passport does not endanger U.S. citizenship..."
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1753.html

DUAL NATIONALITY
"Dual nationality can occur as the result of a variety of
circumstances. The automatic acquisition or retention of a foreign
nationality, acquired, for example, by birth in a foreign country or
through an alien parent, does not affect U.S. citizenship."
http://travel.state.gov/law/citizenship/citizenship_778.html

Regards,
hummer