Can you keep your Mali citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed
Yes, in general
Malian nationals who become U.S. citizens keep their Malian nationality, since Mali allows dual nationality.
What the law says
- Since 1995, Mali has allowed nationals to hold dual nationality.
- Malian nationals can renounce their nationality only pending approval by the state.
- Malians of origin may lose nationality for committing crimes against state interests.
- Naturalized persons may be denaturalized for reasons such as disloyalty, crimes against the state, or fraud in a naturalization petition.
“Since 1995, Mali has allowed nationals 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 Mali lets you keep yours.
Source: Malian nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Mali embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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