Member-only story
When Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a decorated US war veteran, was smeared on Fox News recently for implied “dual loyalty” because he had been born abroad, I was doubly offended. First, because someone who emigrates from a country at the age of three isn’t torn by dual loyalties; a toddler has no choice in the matter. Second, because an increasing number of folks — myself included — have legitimate “dual loyalty” in that we hold more than one passport, and the second passport may arrive after we have reached the age of consent. But that doesn’t — shouldn’t — make us suspected double agents.
The fact is, spies and scoundrels aren’t the only ones who can scrounge through a desk and pull out more than one passport. There are millions worldwide, including Daniel Craig, who plays the cinematic spy James Bond, and his wife, actress Rachel Weisz. They are citizens of the US and the UK. Singer Michael Bublé is Canadian and Italian. Director Martin Scorsese is Italian and American. Entertainer Ricky Martin is American and Spanish. Current British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was, until fairly recently, a citizen of the US as well as the UK, until he gave up his US citizenship for political expediency. The list goes on.
But why would someone want two passports? Why would someone have three (or even four), which also happens? One could ask Mark Carney, a governor…
