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Is Drake a US Citizen?

Published in Celebrity Citizenship 3 mins read

Yes, Drake is a US citizen.

Drake, the internationally renowned rapper and singer, holds dual citizenship, being a citizen of both the United States and Canada. His United States citizenship is derived from his father, Dennis Graham.

Drake's Citizenship Status Explained

Aubrey Drake Graham, widely known as Drake, was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. While he is strongly associated with his Canadian roots and the city of Toronto, his family background provides him with American nationality.

  • United States Citizenship: Drake's father, Dennis Graham, is an American citizen who hails from Memphis, Tennessee. Under U.S. law, a person born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent may acquire U.S. citizenship at birth. This process is often referred to as "citizenship by descent" or jus sanguinis (right of blood), meaning citizenship is passed down through parentage.
  • Canadian Citizenship: His mother, Sandra "Sandi" Graham (née Sher), is a Canadian Ashkenazi Jew. Since Drake was born in Canada, he automatically acquired Canadian citizenship by birth, a principle known as jus soli (right of soil), which grants citizenship to anyone born within a country's territory.

This combination of birthright citizenship in Canada and citizenship by descent from his American father has resulted in Drake's status as a dual citizen, allowing him legal ties to both nations.

Key Details About Drake's Background and Citizenship

Understanding Drake's unique family background clarifies the basis of his dual nationality.

Aspect Detail
Full Name Aubrey Drake Graham
Born October 24, 1986, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Father Dennis Graham (US Citizen from Memphis, Tennessee)
Mother Sandra "Sandi" Graham (Canadian Ashkenazi Jew, English teacher, florist)
US Citizenship Basis Derived from his father (citizenship by descent)
Canadian Citizenship Basis Born in Canada (citizenship by birth)
Current Status Dual Citizen (United States & Canada)

Understanding Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality, is a legal status in which an individual is simultaneously regarded as a citizen of two different countries under the laws of those nations. Both the United States and Canada generally recognize and permit dual citizenship.

For individuals like Drake, holding dual citizenship offers various benefits:

  • Enhanced Mobility: It simplifies travel, residency, and work between both countries, eliminating the need for visas for extended stays.
  • Legal Protections: Dual citizens can typically access the consular services and legal protections offered by both nations.
  • Economic Opportunities: It can facilitate opportunities to work, own property, and conduct business in both countries without encountering immigration barriers.

Drake's personal story serves as an excellent illustration of how different citizenship laws can converge, leading to an individual legally belonging to two countries simultaneously.

For more information about Drake's life and career, you can visit his profile on Wikipedia.