Can you keep your Afghanistan citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed
Yes, in general
Afghans who become U.S. citizens generally keep their Afghan nationality, since Afghanistan allows dual nationality.
What the law says
- Since 2001, Afghans have been allowed to hold dual nationality, though this conflicts with the terms of the nationality law.
- The 2004 Constitution bars the president from having dual nationality.
- The legislature has authority to determine if legislators or cabinet ministers can serve while holding other nationality.
- Afghans may renounce their nationality through an application process, confirming no outstanding obligations and surrendering their identity card.
“Since 2001, Afghans have been allowed to hold dual nationality”
What about the U.S. side?
The United States allows dual citizenship. At the oath ceremony you promise to renounce allegiance to other countries, but U.S. law does not make you formally give up your other passport. The question is only whether Afghanistan lets you keep yours.
Source: Afghan nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Afghanistan embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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