Expert: MRZ - 6/24/2009

Question
Greetings.  I was hoping you could clarify a question for me as it is causing me some confusion.  I am the daughter of a Colombian native (who now has U.S. citizenship)and wanted to find out my possibilities for obtaining dual citizenship (I was born in the U.S.).  I recently went to the NY Colombian Consulate website and read some information regarding this process.  Could you please clarify the following?:  Los hijos de padre o madre colombianos que hubieran nacido en tierra extranjera y luego se domiciliaren en la republica.
Does this mean that I can only apply for my Colombian citizenship if I am currently LIVING in Colombia?  This is somewhat confusing for me.  I would like to apply for my dual citizenship while still residing in the U.S.  Would you be so kind as to help clarify this?  Many thanks.

Answer
Hi Claudia,
Yes, unfortunately you have to reside in Colombia in order to obtain your Colombian citizenship. The law says:
'Los hijos de padre o Madre Colombianos, que hubieren nacido en Tierra extranjera, tienen el derecho a ser Colombianos por Nacimiento, una vez se domicilien en Colombia.'
If you have any other question please let me know, you can reach me at info@colombianpossibilities.com.
Thanks
Marta