Legal Definitions - temporary allegiance

Temporary allegiance refers to the limited and non-permanent loyalty or duty that an individual owes to a government or state, simply by being present within its territory. This obligation arises because the individual benefits from the protection of that state's laws and must, in turn, abide by them. It is distinct from the permanent allegiance owed by citizens or subjects, as it lasts only for the duration of their stay within the jurisdiction.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: A Tourist Visiting Abroad

  Imagine a tourist from Canada visiting France for a two-week vacation. While in France, this Canadian tourist is under the protection of French laws and is expected to obey them. If they were to commit a crime, like shoplifting or speeding, they would be subject to the French legal system, not the Canadian one. This obligation to follow French laws and respect its authority, even for a short period, constitutes their temporary allegiance to France.

• Example 2: A Foreign Business Executive on Assignment

  Consider a business executive from Japan who is sent by their company to work on a special project in Germany for six months. During these six months, the executive lives, works, and travels within Germany. They benefit from German public services, infrastructure, and legal protections. In return, they are expected to pay applicable taxes, obey German traffic laws, and comply with all other German statutes. This duty to adhere to German law and respect its sovereignty for the duration of their assignment is an instance of temporary allegiance.

• Example 3: A Refugee Seeking Asylum

  A person fleeing persecution in their home country arrives in the United States and applies for asylum. While their asylum claim is being processed, they reside within U.S. borders. During this period, even though they are not a citizen or permanent resident, they are protected by U.S. laws and are expected to obey them. They cannot engage in criminal activities, must respect local ordinances, and are subject to the U.S. legal system. This obligation to the U.S. government and its laws, pending the resolution of their status, demonstrates temporary allegiance.