Hi!
I'm new to the site (excited to be here) and have an important question about obtaining Spanish citizenship/renouncing my U.S. citizenship.
My mother is Spanish (her entire family is from and still live in Jerez) and I've always felt particularly close to my roots and the culture there (lived there as a small kid/visit almost annually) along with wanting to move and work there. I've spent the last few months working with the Spain Consulate in San Francisco, close to where I live now, and had an appointment yesterday to basically finish the process but then they told me I had to renounce my U.S. citizenship — I hadn't realized nor been told that this was a requirement, as there is no agreement between the two countries. The lady at the consulate didn't make it seem like a big deal, but I said I had to do more research. I don't want to lose my U.S. citizenship. The goal is to be both, to be considered a Spanish citizen while in Spain and an American when here in the states.
What happens if I sign (aka renounce)? Does the U.S. government recognize it? It seems like there is a gray area, but I'm just not fully sure what it all means. Especially since I'd be doing it on U.S. soil.
Sorry for such a long post, but any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!