Expat in Shenzhen, Mainland wife, thinking of birth in HK

[mwong222]

thanks

-> mrg919

1. For how the local government office found out, most likely someone told them. It is actually the only way for them to know. Especially if they called you.

2. I know the US consulate recommends it because they will only take care of people who declares they are American when entering a country. So if she doesn't use her US passport then she is declaring she is Chinese and they don't care if she is really American or not.

3. thanks. this has calmed me down a lot. I really don't feel like filling out the passport forms as i have travelled quite a bit since college.

4. Yeah, i know about the return home card. You make a good point. HK passport really has no use since he will only use the US passport.

 

[jaz1311]

Hi

I dont think HK is against dual citizenship (two passport) but I think US would not allow dual citizenship.

My step children and husband both holds a canadian and HK passport.

So I dont think its a problem. I am delivering my boy next week, he too will hold a HK passport and we will subsequently apply for a canada passport for him.

 

[mwong222]

US dual citizenship

-> jaz1311

I have been doing a lot of research on this issue. Actually the US does allow dual citizenship. I have seen many different stories. Some say you have to give up citzenship when naturalized. Others say you don't have to.

The only issue the US has for dual citizenship (that i have seen) is whether or not they can/will help you on foreign soil. I have not seen anything that says you cannot legally have dual citizenship.

If you use another country's passport to enter a foreign country, the US will/can not help you because 'essentially' you are declaring that you are not a US citizen (but still have to pay US taxes though). i think it is this reason a lot of people think the US doesn't allow dual citizenship. But quite honestly, i know a lot of Americans with dual citizenship and they only use their US passports to travel.

either way, i feel my kids will be better off having dual citizenship than just one. opens more doors for them. Just have to watch out for which country to do citizenships. I am not getting taiwan citizenship until i am 40 (or 45, i forget the age limit) so i don't have to do military service.

 

[mrg9192]

Just wanted to update this thread. In Shenzhen our baby was just diagnosed with Calcaneovalgus Foot deformity, apparently a fairly common issue with babies. So my wife and I will be heading into HK and Union Hospital to see a doctor at the hospital's orthopedic clinic. This is the second or third time we will have brought him to Union Hospital. So I am fairly happy we chose a location for delivery that was somewhat convenient to get to from the border, because it ends up being the place that we bring our baby to for pediatric care. I guess there is a certain amount of 'stickiness' with health care--after delivery the hospital assigns a pediatrician to call on the baby those first few days and she seems fine enough so we continue with her. Glad we aren't schlepping to Matilda each time. Pediatric appointments are about HK$300 (-5% for babies born at the hospital). Although this orthopedic appointment will cost a minimum HK$600.

calcaneovalgus foot
At birth

At walking age

Mwong-> how did things go?
unrelated: Tax wise, if you wait to declare your child a US citizen, his income won't be taxed by the US government--probably doesn't outweigh other considerations, but just a thought.