Dual Citizenship: A Crime or An Advancement for the Greater Good?

By: Austin S. Fallah-US-based Professional. 

Many would argue that at the heart of global citizenship lies an individual’s right to choose where to reside and from where to seek education, and it is essential to examine this subject from a macro perspective.

Take, for instance, the question: Is it a crime to leave your native country, travel abroad to educate oneself, and apply the acquired knowledge and skills to benefit the home country?

Or is it a crime for those who fled their homeland during troubled times, such as the Liberian citizens during the civil war, to take advantage of the opportunities offered by their host countries, including gaining citizenship, to improve their well-being and contribute to humanity’s development?

Moreover, is dual citizenship a crime or an asset for the home country?

In answering these inquiries, it is essential to recognize that dual citizenship can be seen not only as a personal advantage but also as a gain for the country of origin.

Dual citizenship allows individuals to live, work, and study freely in two countries, adding new dimensions to their identities and contributing to the diversity and cultural richness of both nations. It offers the opportunity to expand their horizons through knowledge and experiences gained from the host country and apply that exposure to initiatives that can help the home country.

Several prominent figures who were once migrants or temporary residents of other countries before returning home to make remarkable contributions through various government positions serve as apt examples of this scenario.

Alberto Fujimori, a Peruvian of Japanese descent, who, after acquiring Japanese citizenship, returned to Peru to become president. From 1990 to 2000, Fujimori implemented reforms that helped stabilize Peru’s economy and defeat the Shining Path guerrilla movement.

Another case in point is Arnold Schwarzenegger, who, after moving to the United States from Austria and acquiring U.S. citizenship, served as governor of California from 2003 to 2011, demonstrating that dual citizenship can be leveraged for the greater good.

However, in the case of Liberia and Liberians, dual citizenship adds further benefits.

This West African nation has witnessed the departure of many of its citizens, especially during the civil war, seeking refuge in other countries. Some have been fortunate enough to acquire citizenship in their host countries, such as the United States.

They have used this opportunity to educate themselves, develop essential life skills, work, and raise families.

George Weah is a notable example of a Liberian native who achieved international fame as a soccer player before he ventured into politics. This deserves acknowledgment.

After living in France and acquiring French citizenship and maybe US citizenship, Weah returned to Liberia to bring about social and political reform (subject to interpretation) and currently serves as the President of Liberia. Nobel laureate Leymah Gbowee, after moving to the United States during the war, used her experiences to mobilize women for peace in Liberia.

For these individuals, dual citizenship has been a lifeline, allowing them to escape life-threatening situations, improve their lives, and eventually return home to share their newfound skills and knowledge to better their homeland. To say such actions constitute a crime would be unfair and unjust.

It would disregard the essence of humanity: the instinct to survive, grow, and uphold the welfare of our fellow beings and homeland.

Dual citizenship should not be viewed as a crime but a possibility that, when fully embraced, can become a significant advantage not just for individuals but for their country of origin as well.

It enables cross-cultural understanding, facilitates technological and educational advancements, and encourages global citizenship.

As we embrace the idea of a global village, as stated in my book “Diversity as the New World Currency,” we must continue to value the benefits of dual citizenship.

The contributions of George Weah, Alberto Fujimori, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Leymah Gbowee, among others, stand as testaments to these advantages of individual growth and national development.