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Soldier Blocked from Returning to U.S. Over Birthright Dispute

State Department officials say because the soldier's father was a Nigerien diplomat, he is not subject to domestic law and exempt from birthright citizenship.

Max Siegelbaum

Oct 07, 2020

U. S. Department of State Headquarters by Mark Van Scyoc

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An Army soldier finishing his assignment abroad may be blocked from re-entering the United States. Army Pfc. Fadel Tankoano believed he was a dual citizen of Niger and the U.S. given he has a U.S. passport and a birth certificate from a Manhattan hospital. But U.S. officials say Tankoano misrepresented his status when he enlisted in 2018 and on passport applications. Tankoano’s father was a diplomat from Niger and had full diplomatic immunity when his son was born. State Department officials say this means Tankoano is not subject to domestic law and exempt from birthright citizenship. The Washington Post

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Max Siegelbaum

Co-executive Director of Documented

@MaxSiegelbaum

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