My Grandchildren (4 & 6) have American passports & have dual citizenship with France. Their parents are divorced and their French father wants them to have French passports too. Why would they need that? What would be the purpose and what would be the concern for their American mother if any?

My Grandchildren (4 & 6) have American passports & have dual citizenship with France. Their parents are divorced and their French father wants them to have French passports too. Why would they need that? What would be the purpose and what would be the concern for their American mother if any?


"... However, dual nationals owe allegiance to both the United States and the foreign country. They are required to obey the laws of both countries. Either country has the right to enforce its laws, particularly if the person later travels there. Most U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. Dual nationals may also be required by the foreign country to use its passport to enter and leave that country. Use of the foreign passport does not endanger U.S. citizenship. Most countries permit a person to renounce or otherwise lose citizenship." US State Department - US State Department Services Dual Nationality (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1753.html)

It appears that either parent can obtain a passport for the children. That would mean, of course, that the father could obtain French passports without the knowledge of the mother.

"... Most U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. ..."

Is that right? One needs a U.S. passport to leave the U.S. It was my understanding that one needs a passport to enter a country not to leave it. It has been my experience that, when driving into Canada from the U.S. for example, U.S. officials don't even look at you. One first is stopped when one reaches Canadian customs. It is they who ask you questions and, now I guess, ask to see your passport. It would be the same for Mexico or other foreign countries (except of course one cannot drive directly to those other countries, but would have to fly or take a ship.)

The mother's main concern, I would think, is the possibility that the father could take the children to a country other than the U.S. without her permission, if their father has foreign passports for them.

Is that right? One needs a U.S. passport to leave the U.S.? It was my understanding that one needs a passport to enter a country not to leave it. It has been my experience that, when driving into Canada from the U.S., for example, U.S. officials don't even look at you. One first is stopped when one reaches Canadian customs. It is they who ask you questions and, now I guess, ask to see your passport. It would be the same for Mexico or other foreign countries (except of course one cannot drive directly to those other countries, but would have to fly or take a ship.)

The mother's main concern, I would think, is the possibility that the father could take the children to a country other than the U.S. without her permission, if their father has foreign passports for them.


I'm quoting the US State Department. Those are not my words. If the State Department is incorrect someone should let them know.