US-Taiwan dual citizenship joining active duty US military

Discussion

For context, I am 22 years old and joining the U.S. Navy in 2026, which requires a Tier 3 investigation. I was born in the United States, and both of my parents are Taiwanese citizens. I previously held a Taiwanese passport and household registration, though my passport is now expired. After being born, I lived in Taiwan until kindergarten, then moved to the U.S. until 4th grade, returned to Taiwan until 9th grade, and then moved back to the U.S. for the rest of high school and college. I have just graduated from college.

From what I have read online, it seems I cannot renounce my Taiwanese citizenship without first completing compulsory military service, which I am unable to do because of clearance suitability concerns. Has anyone with a similar background gone through the process of renouncing Taiwanese citizenship? Any advice on how I can pursue this would be greatly appreciated.

Posted Sep 28, 2025, 1:44 PM UTC

1825
Loading comments…