Continuity mistake: When Sean Penn enters his apartment for the first time the light switch is on, then after a cut away the light switch is off. (00:30:20)
Character mistake: In the beginning of the movie, Simon Broome and Xola speak in English and Xola acts as the only speaker of Ku. He confirms to Simon that the three young boys are Ku but if Simon grew up as a Matoban like Silvie, he would have been fluent in Ku as well.
Chosen answer: Dual citizenship is complicated, and it does not guarantee a person equal rights, privileges, and obligations in both countries. Nor does one country or the other always recognize dual citizenship. Since Sylvia's main residency has been in Africa, the US would consider that her primary homeland and could legally deport her there. Basically, the government is giving Sylvia a way to avoid prosecution in the US by allowing her to leave the country.
raywest ★