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Posted by: Ruski_Cossack

I was thinking it would be much faster to get a citizship in russia if i had to marry a russian women..and i do got a lot of relitivies in russia. What are my restrictions of being a russian citenzhip? i can't do goverment jobs? military? police force? please help me out... im asking this because as soon i am able to leave US i want to go to another country...i pick russia because my family started from there {both my parents sides are russian} "I WAS RUSSIAN" even though i been born in the states...

PS srry i computer was broken down a for some time..

Posted by: Jill

If I'm not mistaken (although I might be

), Russia recognizes dual citizenship. Therefore you could be BOTH a Russian AND a US citizen and have the best of both worlds

Posted by: Ruski_Cossack

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jill

If I'm not mistaken (although I might be

), Russia recognizes dual citizenship. Therefore you could be BOTH a Russian AND a US citizen and have the best of both worlds

Maybe. Its that When I Get they in 3 years I got to know what I can do. Like can I be in the Military? Police? Fire Department? Just need to know before I get to college. To take this courses for my future job. Why ask about Military? All my Parents Fathers where there in Commie army and Cossack...Now I'am up next. sadly I did my own research but im still not sure. It says i can't. ;( but that was a guy with out any relations to Russia.

>>>ya sure I can join the US military, but it would be a discrase for my family.
Please I got to know SOON!

Posted by: Jill

If you take Russian citizenship, you will be eligible for the Russian draft. So there's a chance that you will serve whether you want to or not....

Posted by: waiting123

I spoke to my wife (she has a masters in Governmental affairs (Russian)) and she stated if you become a citizen you still fall under the national service untill age 35 (means you must join) unless you are in university or medical deferral.

Russia in itself does not legally recognize Dual Citizenship, now flipside, many Russians have it... it is easy to get around the system, and there are many places you will read that you can gain dual citizenship... but never the less it is illegal for a foreigner to go to Russia, ask for Russian Citizenship and not renounce your citizenship.

You need to contact the Russian Embassy near you or the Russian Embassy in Washington DC and ask what are the steps to become a Russian Citizen. You will probably have to renounce your US citizenship to a governmental officaial....Are you sure you want to renounce and give up your US citizenship?

You can not get Russian Citizenship by marrying a Russian girl. I had read on the internet in a few places you could as well. I was going to see about getting Russian Citizenship after I married a Russian in St. Peter, to make traveling back and forth easier. I spoke to the Russian consulate in San Francisco, and they informed me I had to live and work in Russia for a minimum of 3 years before I could even think about applying for citizenship.

I hope some of this is useful or helpful for you!!

Good Luck to you in your quest.

Posted by: Ruski_Cossack

Yes, I know about taking me 5 years till I can apply for citizenship, marry russian...yes of course. (duh im russian born in american) It would be 3 years.

and yes I'm ready to give up my US citizenship. Its a good country...I dont fit in here . Yes indeed it was a good hiding place from SOVIET UNION...but I rather stay in the first place and now its gone.

My only other Question is that it would be much faster to get to the country, since i got a whole lot family done there both my Fathers and Mothers.

Thanx guys... Its hard for me to understand these problems..

Posted by: waiting123

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruski_Cossack

Yes, I know about taking me 5 years till I can apply for citizenship, marry russian...yes of course. (duh im russian born in american) It would be 3 years.

and yes I'm ready to give up my US citizenship. Its a good country...I dont fit in here . Yes indeed it was a good hiding place from SOVIET UNION...but I rather stay in the first place and now its gone.

My only other Question is that it would be much faster to get to the country, since i got a whole lot family done there both my Fathers and Mothers.

Thanx guys... Its hard for me to understand these problems..

my advice!!!! contact the Russian embassy/consulate closest to you, or call the Russian embassy in Washington DC:

http://www.russianembassy.org/

(202) 298-5700

They would be able to answer your questions the best and most accurate...Keep us informed of how things go!!!!

Posted by: Jill

Quote:

Russia in itself does not legally recognize Dual Citizenship, now flipside, many Russians have it... it is easy to get around the system, and there are many places you will read that you can gain dual citizenship... but never the less it is illegal for a foreigner to go to Russia, ask for Russian Citizenship and not renounce your citizenship.

Interesting. I know quite a few Russians in the US who have dual citizenship for their American born children. That's why I thought it was recognized. Good to know.

Posted by: BradIL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jill

If you take Russian citizenship, you will be eligible for the Russian draft. So there's a chance that you will serve whether you want to or not....

Jill, you have posted about this before (SOMEWHERE in the that prodigous list of posts of yours that Brad is too lazy to file thru), regarding the draft--- the stated laws and the reality.

If I recall, young Russian men are eligible in the draft pool... -BUT ALMOST EVERYBODY- gets called to service at some point or another, yes? I mean, the reality is that virtually all eligible RM will have to take basic training, specialized training, and serve some sort of duty, correct?

Posted by: myshka

I am guessing you are about 15 yrs old now. I think before you get all excited about getting to Russia to live and maybe joining the military, you need to talk to people already in Russia and their views on the military service.

People pay money, fake illness, join university, etc etc all to avoid going to the military. This is everyone, not some, Jill can attest to that I think and anyone else with current experience in FSU. Young men are starving to death, new enlistees get hazed to the point of death sometimes, get the reality of the situation not the romantic dream of a teenager who is feeling in between two cultures, not quite American, not quite Russian. Embrace who you are, dont wish to be someone else. I am sorry if I hurt your feelings but the true reality is not your reality of the military.

Posted by: waiting123

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jill

Interesting. I know quite a few Russians in the US who have dual citizenship for their American born children. That's why I thought it was recognized. Good to know.

The US does recognize it... and Russia turns their head to it... say your spouse is Russian, then in 5 years gains US Citizenship, your spouse will have both passports, and Russia will continue to renew your passport. But if you read the Russian Constitution (you can google this) it is very specific it states that dual citzenship is illegal... but like i said Russia turns their head. I have a good friend of mine in Russia, he is Russian, born in Estonia, he has 2 passports, Russian and Estonian... he does this so he does not have to get a visa to go and visit his family.

A child of a US citizen is automatically granted US citizenship and citizenship of the host country of birth... all you have to do is file the birth at a US embassy in the host country... when I was in the military this was a big problem... Americans having babies in every country we went to...

Posted by: Jill

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradIL

In theory, yes. In reality, no. You can get out of service my staying in college/grad school, signing yourself into a mental hospital (people do it!), bribing the draft board, bribing a doctor to sign a medical exemption, actually being unfit due to poor health, just running away (Memorial and other NGOs provide free legal assistance to such draft dodgers), etc. Basically, unless you are very poor and/or have no connections, it's possible to avoid service and anyone concerned about their future often does. Which is why the Russian army isn't exacly the "cream of the crop" these days.

Quote:

Young men are starving to death, new enlistees get hazed to the point of death sometimes

Yup, it's called dedovshina and it's not like college hazing--it is violent and often deadly. The high suicide rate in the army is not surprising. And then there's drugs and disease....Well, and a war going on....

Posted by: Texas Proud

Jill,

Some information... and I am NOT checking it out, but it is old... and might have changed...

The US will give passports to children of Americans if they were born in another country (ie, you married someone with kids and adopted or just adopted)... they still have thier passport of their original country... BUT, when they turn 18 they are supposed to CHOOSE which country they want to keep citizenship...

For US, it is also "illegal" to have duel citizenship.. I have been told this by a number of people who have it.. one girl has three passports!! But, lots of other countries do not care.. I was told by a friend that someone from NZ became an American citizen.. she had to 'renounce' her NZ citizenship and give her passport up... the US mailed it back to NZ who turned around and mailed it back to the girl.. NZ renews it without question... America also renews...

Since I have never renewed my passport, I do not know if they ask a question if you have another passport or not... does anybody know??? It woudl be interesting to see if they even check..

Posted by: Ruski_Cossack

Quote:

Originally Posted by myshka

I am guessing you are about 15 yrs old now. I think before you get all excited about getting to Russia to live and maybe joining the military, you need to talk to people already in Russia and their views on the military service.

People pay money, fake illness, join university, etc etc all to avoid going to the military. This is everyone, not some, Jill can attest to that I think and anyone else with current experience in FSU. Young men are starving to death, new enlistees get hazed to the point of death sometimes, get the reality of the situation not the romantic dream of a teenager who is feeling in between two cultures, not quite American, not quite Russian. Embrace who you are, dont wish to be someone else. I am sorry if I hurt your feelings but the true reality is not your reality of the military.

Well...I know that...like I said most of my relitives are from there. I been born from 2 loving parents from russia. My dad was in Military. My Uncle was military. Im not some idiot white boy, that came with this idea. Most of my fathers fathers have died there. In the Afgan war. My grandmother and sisters live there. So like i said i will blend in. No romatic dreams mate.

Posted by: Jill

Quote:

Since I have never renewed my passport, I do not know if they ask a question if you have another passport or not... does anybody know???

I renewed my passport a few years and no one asked any questions.....

Also possibly relevant (or not

), when we applied for US citizenship for our daughter (who was born abroad), the Embassy DID ask us if she would hold any other citizenship. They didn't seem to be indicating that it would be a problem for them, but they did ask (she does hold only US citizenship, btw).

Posted by: Jill

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruski_Cossack

Well, I think Myshka's point is that it is NOT the same army that your relatives served in--things have changed and not for the better. My father in law and brother in law both served in the Soviet Army, but when my husband's number came up, they got him out of it. It was always difficult to serve, but things are much worse now than they used to be.....

Posted by: waiting123

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jill

This is very tru... When I was in Spb & Moscow, the headlines of the Moscow paper was Man killed during training phase of the Army... the stats that it listed was unbelievable... the sheer number of people killed and mamed... it is amazing.

I have some first hand knowledge of this a lot of my wifes friends are staying in school to avoid National Service.. one had his doctor write a letter saying he was mentally incapable of making decisions... and he submitted this letter along with a bribe to the draft board.

my father in law is also a very very senior ranking man in the russian army.

I served in the US army....and trust me from what I know and what I have heard... you DO NOT WANT to be in the russian army..... I think you really need to sit down and think this whole plan of yours out.

Posted by: waiting123

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas Proud

Jill,

For US, it is also "illegal" to have duel citizenship.. I have been told this by a number of people who have it.. one girl has three passports!! But, lots of other countries do not care.. I was told by a friend that someone from NZ became an American citizen.. she had to 'renounce' her NZ citizenship and give her passport up... the US mailed it back to NZ who turned around and mailed it back to the girl.. NZ renews it without question... America also renews...

Since I have never renewed my passport, I do not know if they ask a question if you have another passport or not... does anybody know??? It woudl be interesting to see if they even check..

Texas I have to disagree with you here (unless you are correct and the US Secretary of State is wrong). The US DOES recognize Dual Citizenship. You do NOT have to choose what citizenship you want, you can maintain both. I have researched this completly and do know. I have spoke to the state department and the russian embassy in Washingtin.

My wife will be able to apply for US citizeship in 3 years and Russia will continue to recognize her as a citizen, they will renew her Russian passport whenever needed.

My wife will leave the US on a US passport, and enter Russia on her Russian passport. Then on hewr return to the US, she will leave Russia on her Russian passport, and re-enter the US on the US passport.

I will still require a visa..... sorry for the long text, but you are incorrect here partner.

here is the State Dept Text: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_...s/cis_1753.html

Dual Nationality

The concept of dual nationality means that a person is a citizen of two countries at the same time. Each country has its own citizenship laws based on its own policy.Persons may have dual nationality by automatic operation of different laws rather than by choice. For example, a child born in a foreign country to U.S. citizen parents may be both a U.S. citizen and a citizen of the country of birth.

A U.S. citizen may acquire foreign citizenship by marriage, or a person naturalized as a U.S. citizen may not lose the citizenship of the country of birth.U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one citizenship or another. Also, a person who is automatically granted another citizenship does not risk losing U.S. citizenship. However, a person who acquires a foreign citizenship by applying for it may lose U.S. citizenship. In order to lose U.S. citizenship, the law requires that the person must apply for the foreign citizenship voluntarily, by free choice, and with the intention to give up U.S. citizenship.

Intent can be shown by the person's statements or conduct.The U.S. Government recognizes that dual nationality exists but does not encourage it as a matter of policy because of the problems it may cause. Claims of other countries on dual national U.S. citizens may conflict with U.S. law, and dual nationality may limit U.S. Government efforts to assist citizens abroad. The country where a dual national is located generally has a stronger claim to that person's allegiance.

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.

Posted by: Texas Proud

Waiting..

Good to know.... as I said all my info was old... but it was true at the time..

I had a high school buddy that had to choose which country he wanted to be a citizen of when he turned 18..... like Jill has said about her child, it could have been a citizen of two countries... (I believe if you are born having two American parents, you are an American citzen no matter where born...and you might have citizenship of the country you are born.).. but that was 30 years ago...

When I was in the UK, I was told by a number of people that thier friends had to give up their passport when they were swore in as a citizen of the US... but their original country ignored what the US did and sent them back to the people... maybe the US got smart and decided to live with dual citizenship...

So, I am wrong as it stands today!!!

Texas Proud (which will allow you to become a citizen of TEXAS if you are good!!!)

Posted by: waiting123

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas Proud

Waiting..

Good to know.... as I said all my info was old... but it was true at the time..

I had a high school buddy that had to choose which country he wanted to be a citizen of when he turned 18..... like Jill has said about her child, it could have been a citizen of two countries... (I believe if you are born having two American parents, you are an American citzen no matter where born...and you might have citizenship of the country you are born.).. but that was 30 years ago...

When I was in the UK, I was told by a number of people that thier friends had to give up their passport when they were swore in as a citizen of the US... but their original country ignored what the US did and sent them back to the people... maybe the US got smart and decided to live with dual citizenship...

So, I am wrong as it stands today!!!

Texas Proud (which will allow you to become a citizen of TEXAS if you are good!!!)

I already have my texas citizenship

lived there a little over 20 years.

even if you have 2 american parents and your child is born in a differen country he may is able to get that countries citizenship... When I was stationed in Germany we would have couples have their babies off the military base (on base is considered the US) just so they would have German Citizenship as well.

They only people that the US requires to renounce a secound citizenship is if you work for the military or federal government in certain positions (this law was enacted in 2002) You can only have allegaince to the US. Everybody else can maintain dual citizenship.. For example Russia says it is illegal to have dual citizenship but they will still renew your passport... they just turn their heads....but a lot of countries have the hard and fast rule...NO dual citizenship

How is all in Houston... I was from San Antonio, I just moved here to Cali about 3 years ago....

Posted by: Pin Boy

when i was in ukraine three years ago, i had some good converstaions with the bartender at a little place down the street from where i was staying. he told me he was in the army a year or two before the soviet union broke up and that he could see the handwriting on the wall as they had a shortage of basic supplies like toiletries, adequate uniforms, etc. said his grandmother and parents would send him a little money just so he could buy decent quality soap and razors and that sort of stuff.

pb

Posted by: waiting123

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pin Boy

when i was in ukraine three years ago, i had some good converstaions with the bartender at a little place down the street from where i was staying. he told me he was in the army a year or two before the soviet union broke up and that he could see the handwriting on the wall as they had a shortage of basic supplies like toiletries, adequate uniforms, etc. said his grandmother and parents would send him a little money just so he could buy decent quality soap and razors and that sort of stuff.

pb

I know the Russian Army is really not the place to be... too many bad things happen, and there is just too many problems and even death among soldiers from hazing.