“It seems to me that if you’re a dual citizen, then you’re a dual citizen, whether you were born one or were naturalized. But hey, what do I know?”
Someone who accepts a foreign citizenship, as an adult, would have far more problems with ‘loyalty’ than someone made a dual citizen at birth without any option of rejecting it. If Jefferson accepted French citizenship, then his loyalty would be more questionable by it than Obama being a citizen of the UK against his will - because lets face it, Obama HATES the UK. And while Jefferson could reject being naturalized a French citizen, Obama had no opportunity.
You know, I would have to agree with that. But I'm trying to indulge ladysforest argument. And I want to hear the answer to my last question.
First off, could you please provide your source for the claim that Jefferson was given French citizenship? Since the first time I have heard such was on this thread, and having spent some time looking around the net for information on this I am coming up with nothing. I read his official bio and it is not mentioned.
Meanwhile, honorary citizenship was frequently bestowed on prominent persons. Still happens in this day and age. It was understood to be a “gift”, a compliment.
But to put that to the side, Jefferson would have been grandfathered in regardless.
For the focus of this thread, Jefferson’s mid-life acceptance of honorary French citizenship (if such a thing happened) adds nothing to the discussion. Did Jefferson go there seeking to throw off his US citizenship and emigrate to France?
No.