How do I become a Taiwanese citizen? Am I a dual national?

[mileena]

Ni hao, my mother is Taiwanese. She was born in 1948 and married an American (my father) in the U.S. military, and they came to the U.S. in 1969. I was born in the U.S. in 1969 and am now 40 years old. I am an American citizen by birth.

My mom became a U.S. citizen around 1975 or 1976 and was forced to renounce her Taiwanese citizenship.

Since my mother is Taiwanese, am I a Taiwanese citizen as well? I am trying very hard to learn both Mandarin and Taiwanese.
I want to visit Taiwan and stay for more than 30 days. I don't want to have to apply for a visa.

Thanks!

[Screaming Jesus]

No, because the law at the time was patrilineal--citizenship could be inherited only from the father (unless paternity was unknown, at least to the government).

[mileena]

thanks so much! that really sucks. it sounds like discrimination.

[Northcoast Surfer]

thanks so much! that really sucks. it sounds like discrimination.

You think? That's nothing, just the tip of the iceberg baby!

[Icon]

thanks so much! that really sucks. it sounds like discrimination.

Agreed. I have a good friend whose mother is Taiwanese but was too old to make teh cut back when they allowed them to become citizens. Hence, me, as a resident foreigner, have more rights than she does, i.e. work legally here, for example.

She got a 6 month visa last time, though, so at least you can get that. And ask about the Overseas Chinese ID, they seem to also have become a bit more flexible with the patrilineal exclusiviness.

[Satellite TV]

My mom became a U.S. citizen around 1975 or 1976 and was forced to renounce her Taiwanese citizenship. Since my mother is Taiwanese, am I a Taiwanese citizen as well? I am trying very hard to learn both Mandarin and Taiwanese.I want to visit Taiwan and stay for more than 30 days. I don't want to have to apply for a visa.Thanks!

Firstly your mother would not have been forced to give up ROC Nationality.... crock of shite imho she probably just never renewed her ROC passport which is something else altogether. Taiwanese are allowed dual nationality.

At 40 years of age you would not qualitfy for ROC Nationality as you need to apply before you turn 20. Nothing to do with discrimination.

So you dont want to need to apply fora visa.... well sorry all Taiwanese need to apply for a visa to the USA so why shouldnt u need one if you want to stay for more than 30 days in Taiwan? We know it sucks to be American at times.

[IceEagle]

She got a 6 month visa last time, though, so at least you can get that.

That's interesting.

I looked over a copy of the Immigration Law (at http://www.klg.gov.tw/police/ht11.htm) and found a reference to 6 month visit visas for visiting relatives (Article 8, Paragraph 3), but that seems to apply only to ROC Nationals. Hmm.

And ask about the Overseas Chinese ID, they seem to also have become a bit more flexible with the patrilineal exclusiviness.

By an overseas chinese ID, you mean something like http://www.ocac.gov.tw/english/faq/faq_pop.asp?no=9 ? Ironicly, I forsee no problems in obtaining a Overseas Compatriot Identity Certificate - patrilineality isn't mention in the FAQ or in the copy of the law that they provide.

[IceEagle]

Firstly your mother would not have been forced to give up ROC Nationality.... crock of shite imho she probably just never renewed her ROC passport which is something else altogether. Taiwanese are allowed dual nationality.

The US might have "encouraged" her to formally renounce. Especially if the father held a security clearance or was trying to apply for one at the time...

[tommy525]

rereading your post. Apply for the tourist visa. Its a lot easier then even attempting to get citizenship for the reasons outlined. Me for example? Born in Taipei, lived there most of my life. US citizen due to US military dad. Cant get TW citizenship. Considered a "tourist" for all the years Iv lived in Taiwan. Hows that for human rights?

Can you imagine someone born in the USA and living there for decades who was still considered a "tourist"??

[Satellite TV]

Can you imagine someone born in the USA and living there for decades who was still considered a "tourist"??

Yeah your current president lol