Congratulations to the Maltese-Australian community on their recent achievement as the Australian government has given them the right to re-apply for their renounced Australian citizenship.

Unfortunately, I cannot express the same feeling of elation with respect to American-born individuals, who like myself, had to renounce their birth right on returning to Malta. Until 2000, dual nationality was not recognised in Malta and like my Australian peers, I was obliged to relinquish my US citizenship by my 19th birthday.

Section 349 (a) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act details the voluntary methods to relinquishing one's citizenship, but how can we speak of voluntary renouncement when if you did not renounce your US citizenship you were faced with termination of employment and not being entitled to health services and basic amenities granted to other people living in Malta? Had legislation been different or had other alternatives been available at the time, I would never have renounced my US citizenship.

Following the Australian government's courageous step, I appeal to the US Government and to other governments to follow suit and provide lawful redress to individuals who had to renounce their citizenship.

I also appeal for help from the Maltese authorities and from the newly appointed Maltese Ambassador to the US, Mark Miceli Farrugia, whom I congratulate on his appointment.