1. Dual Citizenship Washington, D.C. | Case Background and Nationality Structure
The applicant, referred to as R, was a lawful holder of dual citizenship recognized under international and U.S. immigration law.
R possessed one nationality from a country subject to shortened visa reciprocity terms, and a second nationality obtained through a legally established Caribbean citizenship by investment program.
Under U.S. law, nationality determination for visa issuance is governed by federal statutes rather than local law, but the application and interview were conducted through a Washington, D.C. connected consular process.
Dual National Status and Visa Eligibility Assessment
At the initial consultation stage, the legal team identified that R’s two nationalities triggered different visa validity rules under U.S. Department of State reciprocity schedules.
One passport limited visa validity to a maximum of two years, while the other allowed issuance of a visa valid for up to ten years.
Under 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(21) and (22), nationality for immigration purposes is determined by the passport presented, provided it is lawfully issued and valid.
This distinction formed the core strategic issue of the case.
2. Dual Citizenship Washington, D.C. | Legal Framework and Applicable Law
Although the matter was handled in Washington, D.C., the controlling legal authority was federal immigration law rather than District specific statutes.
Consular officers are required to apply U.S. immigration law uniformly, regardless of the applicant’s place of residence or legal counsel location.
Federal Immigration Law Governing Dual Citizenship
U.S. immigration law explicitly permits dual citizenship and does not require an applicant to renounce one nationality when applying for a nonimmigrant visa.
This principle is reflected in 8 U.S.C. § 1184(b), which focuses on intent and eligibility rather than exclusive nationality.
In addition, the Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM 41.102) recognizes that a dual national may apply using either passport, provided the choice is not misleading or fraudulent.
Accordingly, no adverse inference may be drawn solely from lawful dual citizenship.
3. Dual Citizenship Washington, D.C. | Consular Strategy and Documentation
The primary legal challenge was not eligibility, but clarity.
Consular officers must be satisfied that the applicant’s nationality selection is lawful and transparent.
Explaining Citizenship by Investment Legality
R’s second nationality was acquired through the Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment program, a government regulated framework recognized internationally.
The legal team prepared a structured explanation confirming that the passport was lawfully issued under the Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Act and internationally valid.
Supporting materials included official government documentation and evidence of compliance with program requirements.
This approach ensured the officer could easily verify legitimacy without extended administrative processing.
Avoiding Misrepresentation Concerns
Under 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(6)(C)(i), misrepresentation can permanently bar visa eligibility.
Accordingly, the application explicitly disclosed R’s dual citizenship status rather than selectively omitting information.
Both nationalities were declared, while the visa was requested using the passport with more favorable reciprocity terms.
This transparency eliminated any risk of fraud findings.
4. Dual Citizenship Washington, D.C. | Result and Practical Implications
Following review, the consular officer accepted the legal explanation and supporting evidence without issuing a request for additional documentation.
R was granted a nonimmigrant visa valid for ten years, affixed to the Saint Kitts and Nevis passport.
Strategic Outcome Under U.S. Law
The case demonstrates that dual citizenship, when properly explained, can lawfully expand visa validity options under U.S. law.
The result was achieved without exception requests, waivers, or discretionary appeals.
From a Washington, D.C. practice perspective, the matter underscores the importance of federal statutory interpretation and accurate presentation rather than reliance on assumptions about nationality hierarchy.
06 Jan, 2026
