Can you keep your United Kingdom citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed
Yes, in general
British citizens who become U.S. citizens generally keep their British citizenship, though dual nationals can be deprived of it in limited circumstances.
What the law says
- British nationality can be renounced by declaration to the Home Secretary, provided the person possesses or intends to acquire another nationality.
- Dual nationals who are British nationals can be deprived of British citizenship if the Secretary of State is satisfied deprivation is conducive to the public good, or if nationality was obtained by fraud.
- Deprivation applies also to dual nationals who are British by birth.
- The Secretary of State may not deprive a person of British nationality (unless obtained by fraud) if satisfied the order would make the person stateless.
- There is a right of appeal against deprivation.
“people with dual nationality who are British nationals can be deprived of their British 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 United Kingdom lets you keep yours.
Source: British nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the United Kingdom embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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