Vancouver, B.C. — For many Americans with felony convictions in their past, the dream of a second passport seems out of reach. But in 2025, that dream is more realistic than ever—if approached through the proper legal channels.
Amicus International Consulting, a global leader in legal identity change and second citizenship acquisition, is helping rehabilitated individuals navigate the complex but attainable process of legally acquiring a second citizenship after a criminal conviction.
As the demand for greater privacy, global mobility, and personal security increases, U.S. citizens with past legal trouble ask a critical question: Can I get a second passport if I have a felony? According to Amicus, the answer is yes, with full disclosure, proper documentation, and a country-specific strategy.
“We don’t erase someone’s past. We help them build their future—legally,” said a spokesperson for Amicus. “Our work is grounded in international law, rehabilitation principles, and strict compliance.”
Felony Records and Second Citizenship: What’s Legally Possible
Every country defines eligibility for citizenship differently. While most second citizenship programs require background checks, they do not all reject applicants solely based on past felony convictions. Key considerations include:
- Whether the offence was violent or non-violent
- Time elapsed since the conviction and sentence completion
- Whether the individual was pardoned or the record expunged
- Proof of rehabilitation and current legal standing
- Whether the crime would be considered illegal in the country of application
Certain jurisdictions—especially those with Citizenship by Investment (CBI) or ancestry-based citizenship routes—may still grant citizenship to individuals with a record, provided they meet legal and moral fitness standards.
Countries Where Second Citizenship Is Possible for Rehabilitated Felons
- Dominica and Saint Lucia
Dominica and Saint Lucia both offer CBI programs with moderate flexibility for rehabilitated applicants. A nonviolent, fully disclosed offence—especially if expunged or pardoned—may not disqualify an applicant. Each case is reviewed individually.
- Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s fast-track citizenship program includes thorough due diligence but does not automatically reject individuals with older or minor non-violent offences, particularly if a pardon or legal rehabilitation is documented.
- Mexico and Paraguay (Residency-to-Citizenship Pathways)
For Americans with felony records who are transparent and committed to a long-term plan, Mexico and Paraguay offer residency-first options that can lead to naturalization. These nations consider the applicant’s behaviour during residency, not just past legal issues.
- Ireland, Italy, Poland (Citizenship by Descent)
If a U.S. citizen has ancestral ties to these countries, they may qualify for citizenship by descent. These programs typically do not review criminal history unless the individual is under investigation or poses a security threat.
Case Studies: Real Americans, Real Second Chances
Case Study 1: Expunged Record Opens Doors in the Caribbean
A U.S. tech entrepreneur convicted of nonviolent fraud in 2004 had his record expunged in 2017. In 2024, Amicus helped him apply to Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program. With complete transparency and legal documents in hand, he was approved in six months.
Case Study 2: Marine Veteran Rebuilds in Mexico
A veteran with a 1990s felony assault conviction related to untreated PTSD sought a quieter life abroad. Amicus supported his Mexican residency application in 2020. After years of stable employment and good conduct, he applied for citizenship in 2025.
Case Study 3: Ancestry Route Restores Family Legacy
A Boston native with a past drug conviction—now expunged—obtained Irish citizenship through his grandfather’s lineage. The consulate requested no criminal background check. With Amicus’ assistance gathering family records, the client moved to Ireland to start over.
Amicus Services for Felons Seeking Second Citizenship
Amicus International Consulting offers discreet and comprehensive services tailored to clients with prior convictions:
- Full eligibility review based on country-specific laws
- Documentation of pardons, expungements, and rehabilitation
- Strategic matching with jurisdictions offering viable options
- Legal name change and identity restructuring services
- Ancestry verification and descent-based applications
- Citizenship-by-Investment filings through secure channels
Amicus maintains strict ethical guidelines and never supports fraudulent activity. Applicants must be legally rehabilitated, transparent, and willing to meet all the host country’s legal requirements.
The Importance of Transparency
Applicants with criminal records must disclose their background fully. Failing to do so is grounds for rejection or citizenship revocation later. Amicus ensures all clients submit verifiable, legally compliant applications to avoid these risks.
“The only way forward is transparency,” said an Amicus advisor. “Our clients aren’t trying to escape accountability. They’re seeking a lawful way to move forward—and in many cases, that’s possible.”
Legal Tools That Strengthen an application
Amicus works with legal professionals in multiple jurisdictions to gather and organize critical documentation that supports an applicant’s second citizenship application:
- Court-certified expungement or pardon orders
- Letters of rehabilitation from attorneys or judges
- Proof of steady employment or volunteer work
- Character references from clergy, professionals, or community leaders
- Psychological evaluations, if relevant
With these tools, Amicus builds legally sound applications that withstand scrutiny during background checks.
U.S. Law and Dual Citizenship
The U.S. government does not prohibit dual citizenship. Felons may legally obtain another nationality as long as:
- They are not actively wanted or under federal indictment
- They are transparent with both the U.S. and foreign governments
- They use their U.S. passport when entering/exiting the country
- They remain compliant with IRS and FATCA financial reporting obligations
No law prevents an expunged or rehabilitated felon from holding a second passport. It often enhances personal security and provides a long-term exit strategy.
The Future Is Global—Even After a Conviction
In an increasingly borderless world, second citizenship is more than a luxury—it’s an essential life tool. For rehabilitated Americans, it can protect assets, gain travel freedom, and start a new chapter in a new jurisdiction.
Amicus International Consulting provides the structure, legal strategy, and international partnerships to make that possible—ethically, lawfully, and with dignity.
📞 Contact Information
Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402
Email: info@amicusint.ca
Website: www.amicusint.ca