I'm not Scottish

[Downix]

I never say I'm Irish, usually something like English with Irish on my mother's side. I agree that it's an American thing to say you are Irish/scottish when you aren't. OTOH, as for only being able to say that you are Scottish or Irish if you were born there, I don't agree with that either, because it's not in fact true. I tend to go by actual nationality, and that is not what the laws say.

For Scotland it's more complicated, as there's no Scottish nationality, but I'd try to apply the same rules as for British nationality. You are British if you or you father were born there, or if you were born since 1987 and your mother was born there, or if you were born before that and you grandfather was born there. I would say that if anyone can claim to be British by way of a Scot in their family then they are actually Scottish even if they have never seen Scotland. ETA, I think, for example, that makes McMurdo a Scot, not merely someone of Scots descent, although he is Canadian.

Irish nationality is different. Those of Irish descent can claim Irish cititzenship 'by association' for an infinite number of generations, with one major catch. If one ancestor breaks the chain by not claiming Irish nationality, then you're done, and future generations can't claim it. I think of my grandfather as Irish, but AFAIK he never claimed Irish citizenship, and it's too late now, as he can't sign anything where he's gone. So, I could have been Irish if the claim had been made in the past, but sadly I'm not. FWIW, though, if you can show that you had an Irish grandparent you can still get your Irish passport. This is not atall the same as naturalisation.

The point is, it's governments that decide who qualifies to be Irish/Scottish/You name it, so if you do have the passport or are eligible and someone says you aren't Scottish/Irish/etc. because you weren't born here, they are talking complete b*ll*cks!

One final word. For most nationalities, and certainly for British and Irish nationality, becoming a US citizen DOES NOT take away your other nationality. The renunciation that you have to swear has no effect whatsoever UNLESS the laws of the other country say it does (and there are very few such countries). The USA has no say whatever in whether you are or aren't a citizen of another country, and no law that Congress ever passes can ever give them that power, because their writ ends at the US border, notwithstanding any delusions of grandeur some US politicians may have to the contrary.

Really? Facinating, as my great-grandfather did sign that he was, (a Callahan no less) and my grandmother is still alive...

[O'Callaghan]

Really? Facinating, as my great-grandfather did sign that he was, (a Callahan no less) and my grandmother is still alive...

If you're referring to the part of my post about Irish citizenship by association, I think you should be able to claim it, but the trick is you will have to persuade your grandmother to do so first. If she doesn't then you can't. Have a look at the Irish embassy website for the full details to make sure of your position.

Nice to hear from another Callahan. It makes no difference whether there is a 'g' in it or O' in front, or even of the Gaelic spelling is used, it's all the same name.

[Redshank]

Does it really matter when all is said and done, the simple answer is anyone can wear a kilt, as anyone can wear a stetson hat, and running shoes, we are all mungrels after all.
Does the pure bred dalmation team up with the pure bred Labrador and question why the mungrel mut calls himself a dog, no, they just sniff each others arses and get on with life.
Not that I would want to sniff another kilties ****, or indeed would, it warms the heart of a highlander to see the kilt being being worn, that I can assure you.

Chris

[Downix]

If you're referring to the part of my post about Irish citizenship by association, I think you should be able to claim it, but the trick is you will have to persuade your grandmother to do so first. If she doesn't then you can't. Have a look at the Irish embassy website for the full details to make sure of your position.

Nice to hear from another Callahan. It makes no difference whether there is a 'g' in it or O' in front, or even of the Gaelic spelling is used, it's all the same name.

I'll go and ask, as now I am curious (and if the US goes to hell in a handbasket some Irish friends said we could join them on their farm).

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I'll go and ask, as now I am curious (and if the US goes to hell in a handbasket some Irish friends said we could join them on their farm).

In the case of your grandmother she will have to provide the birth certificate(s) of her Irish parent(s), as well as the marriage license of her parents, and her own birth certificate. The process can take up to a year to complete. Since her parent(s) were born in Ireland before 1947 she is also eligible to apply for citizenship in the United Kingdom.

Your own applicant status may be different, and you would be advised to check with the UK and Irish embassies for the latest requirements for those seeking citizenship status.

American citizens, who hold other nationality, should be aware that it is a Federal crime to enter, or exit, the United States on anything other that a valid US Passport.

[Southern Breeze]

I have dual citizenship- United States and the Conch Republic.

http://www.conchrepublic.com/