Chorlton

I understand it is technically illegal to try to enter the US on a UK passport if you are a US citizen. Is it also illegal to leave the US on a UK passort? I'm not really sure what the problem is, as long as you have a valid passport

JAJ

Any strong reason not to get an American passport, if you're a U.S. citizen?

Chorlton

This is more out of interest than anything, but it would be useful to know if I have a sudden urge to go back and dont want to wait for the passport application.

Tootsie Frickensprinkles

You need to exit and enter on a US passport.

Jelly100

Hi there

Dont know if it is exactly the info you are looking for, but I actually had my U.S naturalization ceremony in the morning and flew back the the UK in the afternoon. I obviously did not have a US passport and was nervous they would ask for the greencard. They did ask for it, I told them I had just been naturalised and they didnt even ask to see the certificate. Just flew back to UK on my UK passport.
I know have the issue of getting my US passport at the US embassy in London but its not that big a deal.
So as to whether it is legal or not I cannot answer, but in practical terms I had no problems

Hope this helps

Jelly

Chorlton

Thats great info. I thought they might want the GC back too, so its good to know

SarahInTX

They did take my green card -- just can't remember at exactly which point in the exercise. Maybe at the swearing in ceremony?

AFAIK, the US doesn't officially recognise multiple citizenships, so if you're a US citizen, that's the passport you should use. I use the US passport for travel to/from the US and the UK passport for most other travel.

Dan725

I think basically its because once you become naturalized, the US doesn't view you as anything other than a US citizen (yes I know there is other official literature to the contrary and you don't lose your other citizenship et etc etc but on the face of it, on American soil, you are an American).

They do take the GC off you at your naturalization ceremony.

No doubt, you can get out of the country on your UK passport as Jelly100 obviously did. But what yet remains to be seen is whether he'll have any trouble getting a US passport at the US Embassy because he did so.

Personally, I'd just go for the expedited passport option - you'll have your US passport in your hand less than 10 days after your oath and then all this'll be a moot point anyway!

Jelly100

Hi Chorlton

Sorry for any confusion, they did take my greencard at the naturalization ceremony, so I was worried they would need it at the airport as a way of getting back into the US , but they didnt, and didnt even need to see the natz cert either.
Just clarifying.
thanks
Jelly

Mummy in the foothills

My green card was taken at the ceremony too and we were given the USC certificate with the picture attached at the end of the swearing in.

Chorlton

I didnt realise it was so fast! Thanks everyone

Sarah

Does that mean an alarm bell goes off somewhere if you stay in the UK longer than 90 days or whatever the allowed length of time is for US citizens?

Dan725

No alarm bell, it simply means exactly what was said - According to the US authorities, if you are a US citizen you must leave the US and enter the US on a US passport. Other than that - you can do what you please.

Sarah

Do you know if the UK consider you an illegal if you stay longer than 90 days? Just wondering, this is kinda interesting stuff.

JAJ

You can't be illegal if you are a British citizen.