Why individuals should not hold citizenship in more than one country at the same time.
Political Science 100
2012
Questions answered: 1
Word Count: 2217
While examining the concept of citizenship, it has a close link with nationality; nationality is defined as belonging in a group of individuals sharing the same ethnicity, language, culture and identity. Citizenship is often granted through marriage, place of birth or is passed down from parents (Renhson, 2001). Governments provide its citizens with protection, rights, freedom, and many other benefits. Most countries require their citizens to follow strict laws such as taxation and military services. With democracy as the ideal political structure, many governments are allowing dual/multiple citizenships (citizenship of more than one country) to its citizens. Dual/multiple citizenship may seem to be a big step towards a country’s democracy and it may also seem beneficial to individuals, however, there are also underlying disadvantages regarding to dual citizenship. This essay will address the concept of citizenship; what are the requirements of being a citizen, following with limitations and disadvantages of dual/multiple citizenship, and lastly some counterarguments and rebuttals to the ideology that individuals should only hold citizenship to more than one country at the same time.
Concept of Citizenship The value of citizenship is very firm and concise. It defines individuals within their nationality, it give citizens political rights, and responsibilities. Governments offer protection and liberty to its citizens; also citizens have a great emotional and psychological attachment to their country (Renhson, 2001). While citizenship and nationality intertwine, one’s nationality may be defined by one’s race, culture, language, belief, and religion. In order to be part of a nation, one needs to acknowledge many of the political ideologies and being able to