You will no longer be an American citizen if you voluntarily give up (renounce) your U.S. citizenship.

You might lose your U.S. citizenship in specific cases, including if you:

• Run for public office in a foreign country (under certain conditions)

• Enter military service in a foreign country (under certain conditions)

• Apply for citizenship in a foreign country with the intention of giving up U.S. citizenship

• Commit an act of treason against the United States

Giving up your U.S. citizenship has consequences. You should never make this decision lightly, as it can only be undone under very limited circumstances. Renouncing your U.S. citizenship means that you:

• Give up your rights and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen.

• Must become a citizen of another nation, or risk becoming "stateless."

• May need a visa to visit the United States.

Contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate in the country where you intend to live to renounce your U.S. citizenship.

In West Virginia, as in all states, the process of renouncing U.S. citizenship is governed by federal law, not state statutes. If you voluntarily give up your U.S. citizenship, you will no longer be an American citizen. This can occur if you run for public office, serve in the military of a foreign country under certain conditions, apply for foreign citizenship with the intention to renounce U.S. citizenship, or commit an act of treason against the United States. Renouncing U.S. citizenship is a serious decision with significant consequences. You will lose all rights and responsibilities associated with being a U.S. citizen, may become stateless if you do not obtain another nationality, and could require a visa to visit the U.S. in the future. To renounce U.S. citizenship, you must contact a U.S. Embassy or consulate in the country where you reside. An attorney specializing in immigration law can provide guidance on the implications and process of renouncing citizenship.