Boris Johnson’s US Citizenship: The Facts and Debates
Boris Johnson, the current UK Foreign Secretary and former Mayor of London, is a topic of ongoing debate when it comes to his citizenship statuses. While it is widely reported that he was born in New York City and holds US citizenship by birth, his primary residency and active citizenship are predominantly in the UK. This article delves into the latest information on Boris Johnson’s US citizenship status and the implications thereof.
Birth and Citizenship by Birth
Boris Johnson was born in New York City in 1964, which would typically grant him US citizenship by birth. However, his primary residence and daily life are in the United Kingdom, where he holds British citizenship. Despite the early acquisition of US citizenship, Johnson has not fully renounced it, nor has he indicated any plans to do so. His status and the implications thereof have been a subject of discussion and speculation.
Recent Developments: Renunciation for Tax Purposes
In February 2015, Boris Johnson announced his intention to renounce his US citizenship to avoid paying taxes on capital gains from the sale of a London mansion. This decision was made as a consequence of changes in US tax laws. According to various news reports, Johnson's move was a strategic decision to simplify his tax obligations and align better with his primary residence and full citizenship in the UK.
It is important to note that while Boris Johnson intended to renounce his US citizenship in 2015, there is no concrete evidence to confirm that the process was completed. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and US State Department records are not publicly accessible, making it difficult to verify the status of citizenship changes. Furthermore, the BBC reported in 2018 that he had renewed his US passport in 2012, which suggests that he might have reconsidered or delayed his plans.
Renunciation Intentions and Actions
Johnson first announced his intention to renounce his US citizenship in 2006, after being barred from changing planes in Texas due to not traveling on a US passport. The incident occurred due to US laws requiring US citizens to travel with a US passport when entering or traveling within the United States. Despite the earlier intention, it does not seem that Johnson took any concrete steps at that time.
In 2015, Johnson again made headlines when he announced his intention to renounce US citizenship. This move was likely to comply with changing tax regulations and to avoid tax obligations in the US. However, the process did not seem to be entirely executed according to the available information. This raises questions about his current citizenship status and the actions taken to fulfill the renunciation process.
Implications and Controversies
The issue of Boris Johnson's US citizenship has several implications. Firstly, it highlights the complex nature of dual citizenship and the challenges of maintaining and renouncing citizenship statuses. Secondly, it opens the discussion on the implications of renunciation for public officials and international relations. Lastly, it reflects the tension between tax obligations and personal identity, particularly for individuals with dual citizenship.
The recent move to avoid paying taxes on capital gains from a London property raises questions about the motivation behind Johnson's decision. Some argue that this move is part of a strategic plan to reduce tax burdens. Others see it as a practical step to align with his primary citizenship in the UK. The ongoing debate around Boris Johnson's US citizenship status underscores the complexity of navigating international laws and tax obligations.
Given the complex nature of the issue, it is important to rely on the latest and most credible sources of information. As of the latest update, there is no definitive confirmation on whether Boris Johnson has fully renounced his US citizenship. The debates and discussions on this issue continue, reflecting the ongoing nature of the issue and the need for transparency and accountability.
In conclusion, Boris Johnson's US citizenship remains a subject of debate and discussion. While he was born in the US and holds US citizenship by birth, his primary residency and citizenship are in the UK. The recent decisions to renounce his US citizenship for tax purposes, combined with the lack of complete action, make his current citizenship status a matter of ongoing discussion.