questions about travel to Russia for dual citizens of US and Russia

[Renee Stillings]

This is my understanding as well. I did speak with the Russian Embassy on
this subject a few years ago and they did confirm that one must actively
renounce citizenship, a process than can take 6 months. Further, many young
people are entirely unaware that they still have Russian citizenship as they
may have never obtained their own passport.

I am not sure of the implications concerning the Russian army. I suppose it
boils down to the technical answer (can they be recruited) and regardless of
that technical answer, the likelihood of anything really happening during a
short trip (whether as a tourist, student, or visiting family). I would
consider it more of an issue for someone going long term to work in Russia. 

For young people, they probably need to weigh the advantages and
disadvantages of keeping the Russian citizenship. I tend to doubt many of
them keep it for nostalgic reasons (considering their age); probably it is
simply to visit the grandparents. However, with the growing Russian economy
(and not exactly stellar opportunities here at home right now), that Russian
passport could come in handy professionally, just as there is value for many
in having a EU passport. This year the Russian migration authorities did
fill the work permit quotas and actually until a review this summer to see
who didn't use their quotas, no more are being issued until next year. If
this trend continues, there may well be a good reason to keep that Russian
passport - again, if it can be clarified whether there really is any
conscription risk.

-----Original Message-----
From: SEELANGS: Slavic & East European Languages and Literatures list 

My understanding (which could be entirely wrong) is that one must renounce
the Russian citizenship in order to be able to receive Russian visas.
Otherwise, the Russian government treats a person as its citizen and will
not allow a visa issued (visas are reserved for foreign nationals only).
The answer to the question "are they still considered to be Russian
citizens" affects not only a young man's visa, but also his legal obligation
to serve in the Russian army.    And that is the question that worries all
of my male heritage
 students and their parents.  I refer them to the Russian consulate, but as
we all know this agency does not give out information easily -- especially
on such complicated matters.  Plus many of the immigrants have this
deep-rooted fear of dealing directly with consulates/embassies and don't
want to risk asking the question.
   
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