Problems renouncing citizenship...

[HumbleSiPilot77]

Hello there folks, how is everything?

I am a naturalized US citizen. I am trying to renounce my Turkish citizenship however the consulate tells me that it is a crime not registering and/or performing military obligation in Turkey, therefore it is not permissible to renounce their citizenship. I found an article at this link that talks about it under para 3.2;

http://www.turkishweekly.net/articles.php?id=23#_ftn28

With the second amendment realized by the Act No. 4112, the requirement of performing compulsory military service is no longer made a condition for permission to renounce Turkish nationality.

...

Under the former Article 20(b) which was annulled by the Act No. 4112 in 1995, the person requesting permission to renounce must have performed or be regarded to have performed compulsory military service. As a result of the annulment of this provision (paragraph (b)), it has now become possible for Turkish male citizens who have not yet performed military service to request permission to renounce Turkish nationality from the Council of Ministers. Thus, it is ensured with this change that the conditions for permission to renounce Turkish nationality has been liberalized.


I haven't been there since I arrived US 9 years ago. I don't visit there, I don't have any intention to do so, I do not have any financial, corporate ties, etc. I don't claim dual citizenship, I don't maintain Turkish citizenship, I do not hold an active Turkish passport. I am going to sign a sworn notarized statement that I am fully desiring to renounce my native citizenship and that will be submitted with my security clearance application, however I would like to see that I renounce that citizenship. It seems that the consulate is playing around because the article says it is possible with the new amendments. Is it any international platform that I can renounce this citizenship without dealing with them??? It is obvious that Turkish government is not willing to cooperate at this time. I really need some advice on what I can do in this matter...

They responded later that the article addresses when the Turkish government removes me from citizenship, but not dealing with my case, which is applying to renounce ... They are requiring me to register with the Turkish military which is not doable for me anymore being in the US military and going for a job that requires security clearance. It is like I am stuck. I told them I will send the application to renounce anyway, and asked them kindly to forward it to Turkish ministry of internal affairs.

 

[Philodox]

What exactly are trying to avoid? From what I have read, you've done more then enough to prove to people in America (i.e employers and agents who do backround checks) that you have zero ties to Turkey.

 

[HumbleSiPilot77]

Well the problem might arise if I am required to be stationed there. You are right, I have done all I could and a few more things, I have told the Turkish consulate that I will apply for renunciation regardless and they keep "recommending" me I have to register with Turkish military and then postpone this obligation and then apply again. This is clearly against the guidelines of the security clearances and background checks.

 

[Autumnleaf]

I would ignore them. I would then go to the military lawyers on base and follow their advice. Don't do this on your own.

 

[Philodox]

Well the problem might arise if I am required to be stationed there.

Curious, what is the chance of that? Im guessing you have fluency in Turkish so it might be more of a reality for you? But even if you did, I don't see a problem. The Army owns you and wouldn't share you with Turkey, unless by Executive Order.

 

[HumbleSiPilot77]

Chances are slim being in the Army. Can't believe they don't have status of forces agreements. I think I have proven my loyalty and I did everything I could. I would apply after talking to JAG and Turkish government denies the application to renounce, I don't know what else to do. I would simply ignore them.

 

[Yusuf Evans]

All the best brother, but here's my suggestion: do a Congressional or Vice Presidential. It's your right and to be honest, it can help. We had a Soldier who got his school date for his reclass dropped due to deployment and our command was jerking him around. He wrote the VP and within a span of two weeks he had a new school date.

I know it may not be close to your scenario, but it does help to know that making your voice heard to these guys will get you somewhere. If anything, someone up there will know what's going on. Once again, all the best.

 

[jcook922]

Well the problem might arise if I am required to be stationed there. You are right, I have done all I could and a few more things, I have told the Turkish consulate that I will apply for renunciation regardless and they keep "recommending" me I have to register with Turkish military and then postpone this obligation and then apply again. This is clearly against the guidelines of the security clearances and background checks.

You might have to go through the Embassy for that and request some high level help. I know a friend of mine had issues getting his SCI clearance because he had a dual citizenship in Canada, after he revoked it he was granted the clearance.