These Countries Won't Let You Go*

Summary

This transcript discusses the complex process and reasons behind renouncing one's citizenship. It examines the requirements, fees, and hurdles involved, comparing the relatively easy process in Tonga to the expensive and bureaucratic procedure in the US. The transcript also analyzes why some countries make renouncing citizenship impossible, like Argentina, while others can revoke it unilaterally, like Malawi.

Takeaways

• Citizenship renunciation is usually conditioned on having another citizenship first to avoid statelessness.
• Tonga has an automatic citizenship renunciation upon acquiring another nationality.
• The US has a high $2350 fee to renounce citizenship and requires tax filing for 5 years.
• Iran has many restrictions like mandatory military service before allowing renunciation.
• Argentina and some other countries make renouncing citizenship impossible.
• Malawi can unilaterally revoke citizenships of dual nationals.

Q & A

What is the difference between nationality, ethnicity, and citizenship?

Ethnicity refers to cultural identity, while citizenship is a legal status conferred by a state. Nationality lies between the two.

Why does the US have both relinquishing and renouncing processes?

Relinquishing involves performing acts like serving in an enemy military to lose citizenship, while renouncing is directly declaring the intention.

What is the expatriation tax in the US?

It is a capital gains tax levied on those renouncing citizenship who meet income or net worth thresholds.

How can Iran prevent people from renouncing citizenship?

Iran requires military service completion, giving up property, and permission from the Council of Ministers to allow renunciation.

Why does Argentina not permit renouncing citizenship?

Argentina believes the state should not deprive people of citizenship, so renunciation is impossible.

What problems can retaining unwanted citizenship cause?

It can lead to prosecution for not fulfilling duties in the country, rejection for new citizenships, or loss of residency rights.

What is citizenship zero?

It is a proposed status that retains citizenship technically but removes all associated rights and duties.

How does Malawi's unilateral revocation violate rights?

Revoking citizenship removes rights like voting and residence, without judicial checks.

Why should countries allow citizenship renunciation?

When connection to a country no longer exists, forced retention violates voluntary association and can cause major problems.

What are some key takeaways on renouncing citizenship?

Requirements vary hugely between countries. Retaining unwanted citizenship against someone's will causes issues. Renunciation should be a voluntary choice.