You will no longer be an American citizen if you voluntarily give up (renounce) your U.S. citizenship.

You might lose your U.S. citizenship in specific cases, including if you:

• Run for public office in a foreign country (under certain conditions)

• Enter military service in a foreign country (under certain conditions)

• Apply for citizenship in a foreign country with the intention of giving up U.S. citizenship

• Commit an act of treason against the United States

Giving up your U.S. citizenship has consequences. You should never make this decision lightly, as it can only be undone under very limited circumstances. Renouncing your U.S. citizenship means that you:

• Give up your rights and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen.

• Must become a citizen of another nation, or risk becoming "stateless."

• May need a visa to visit the United States.

Contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate in the country where you intend to live to renounce your U.S. citizenship.

In Tennessee, as in all states, the renunciation of U.S. citizenship is governed by federal law, not state law. A U.S. citizen can voluntarily renounce their citizenship by appearing in person before a U.S. consular or diplomatic officer in a foreign country and signing an oath of renunciation. Specific acts that can lead to the loss of U.S. citizenship include running for public office or serving in the military of a foreign country under certain conditions, applying for foreign citizenship with the intention to relinquish U.S. citizenship, or committing an act of treason against the U.S. Renouncing citizenship is a serious decision with significant consequences, such as losing the rights and responsibilities of a U.S. citizen, potentially becoming stateless, and requiring a visa to visit the U.S. afterwards. Individuals considering this step should consult with an attorney and contact a U.S. Embassy or consulate to proceed with the renunciation process.