Can you keep your Marshall Islands citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed with conditions
Only in some cases
Marshallese citizens who voluntarily acquire U.S. citizenship generally may retain their Marshallese nationality, though dual nationality is only permitted within certain exceptions.
What the law says
- The constitution does not expressly prohibit dual citizenship.
- Denaturalization may occur if a person has obtained dual nationality outside of the permitted exceptions.
- Marshallese nationals may renounce their nationality provided they have legal majority and capacity and have obtained another nationality.
- The registration exception to dual citizenship does not apply to citizens by birthright, such as a person born abroad to at least one Marshallese citizen parent.
- In times of war, renunciation may not be allowed because of national security concerns.
“The constitution does not expressly prohibit dual citizenship”
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 Marshall Islands lets you keep yours.
Source: Marshallese nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Marshall Islands embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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