Buzz
In August, the Dallas Morning News revealed that Texas Senator Ted Cruz was born in Calgary, Alberta, and likely holds dual American-Canadian citizenship. In response, Cruz stated that he would be giving up his Canadian citizenship.
“No disrespect to Canada,” Cruz said in a statement. “But I’m an American by birth [his mother was a U.S. citizen living in Canada], and as a U.S. Senator, I believe I should be only an American.”
Renouncing your citizenship is more than just a declaration (similar to declaring bankruptcy). Cruz must first demonstrate that he meets eligibility requirements, such as being over 18, not residing in Canada, and fulfilling other specific conditions. After meeting these criteria, he will complete an online application, pay a $100 fee, and wait for the approval. Once it’s granted, he’s officially American.
If the situation were flipped, and Cruz were a member of the Canadian Parliament with a hidden Texan identity seeking to renounce his U.S. citizenship, the process would require more than simply completing an online form. He would begin by locating an American consulate or embassy in another country. A consular or diplomatic officer would then conduct an exit interview, where Cruz would sign an oath of renunciation and other documents acknowledging the consequences of his decision. He would then pay a $450 fee and await his Certificate of Loss of Nationality.
