#GERMANY: Parliament Approves Dual Citizenship

[world politics news]

German lawmakers have voted in favor of changing the law, which would open up the possibility of dual citizenship to swaths of the population. The bill would also reduce the time needed to qualify for naturalization.

Parliament voted 382-234 for the plan put forward by center-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s socially liberal coalition, with 23 lawmakers abstaining. The main center-right opposition bloc criticized the project vehemently, arguing that it would cheapen German citizenship.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#GERMANY: Legislature To Take Up Dual Citizenship Law in 2023

[world politics news]

People in Germany looking to naturalize as German and keep their other citizenship now have a date for when the Bundestag will consider their situation: before Christmas.

“Immigrants who want to stay in Germany permanently should be given the opportunity to take part and contribute fully with naturalization. The modernization of the Citizenship Act is intended to create the right framework for this,” a federal Interior Ministry spokeswoman told The Local. “Multiple citizenship should generally be permitted. For naturalization, it will therefore no longer be necessary to give up your previous citizenship.”

According to the Ministry, the new law will also shorten the time someone has to live in Germany before they’re eligible for citizenship through naturalization. People who demonstrate evidence of integration in German society will also have a shorter wait time for naturalization, as an incentive.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#IRELAND: High Court's Citizenship Ruling Called "Absurd"; May Invalidate Many Applications

[world politics news]

Ireland's high court has ruled that nobody can be granted Irish citizenship if they have spent a single day outside the country in the past year.

The unexpected judgment, handed down by Mr Justice Max Barrett, could affect thousands of people applying for Irish citizenship on the basis of residence in the country.

Experts called the ruling “absurd”, pointing out that the law on citizenship has never been interpreted so strictly before.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#INDIA: Gov't Dodging Questions About Religious Citizenship Bill's Future

[world politics news]

Media in India recently noted an incident in parliament in which a question from a member to the government about its citizenship reform bill received a vague answer.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, in this year's election, said it would reintroduce the Citizenship Amendment Bill in this parliament if it was returned to power. Instead, a response by Minister of State Nityanand Rai simply noted the history of the bill and noted that it died in the last parliament, after being passed in the lower house on Jan. 1.

The bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Jain, Buddhist and Parsi citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who have been discriminated on grounds of religion. Under current law, the Citizenship Act, 1955, there's no provision for granting Indian citizenship on the basis of religion. The bill is controversial in northeastern India, where it was argued that it violated a treaty that restricted immigration from Bangladesh.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#DENMARK: New Citizens To Be Required To Shake Hands With Female Mayors (Including Muslim Citizens)

[world politics news]

New rules require people who have been awarded Danish citizenship to shake hands when they tak part in citizenship ceremonies. The rule, supported by the Conservative and Danish People's Party, as well as Social Democrats, is said to be squarely aimed at Muslims, many of whom don't shake hands, especially with women. Participants are also required to sign a document promising to respect Danish values.

[FULL STORY HERE]

World Politics News is dedicated to raising Americans' knowledge of political events, elections, and legislation throughout the world.

#AUSTRALIA: PM Turnbull Announces New Policies To Deal With Dual Citizenship Crisis

[world politics news]

All federal politicians will be required to publicly detail their citizenship history and status under  Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's new government transparency measures designed to end the crisis that has rocked federal Parliament. Turnbull acted after pressure from the Labor Party and the public following numerous politicians were "outed" as being dual citizens, something forbidden by the Constitution. MPs will be required to provide a statement to Parliament's registrar of interests that outlines where they were born, where their parents were born, and what steps they took to renounce any foreign ties.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#STLUCIA: Gov't To Offer Citizenship to 'Significant' Investors In The Country

[world politics news]

St. Lucia is set to become the fifth Eastern Caribbean nation to introduce a Citizenship by Investment program, and the country’s Attorney General has suggested a regional body be established to constantly examine these types of initiatives. St. Lucia joins Grenada, Dominica St. Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda in offering citizenship to the wealthy in return for substantial investment.

#CANADA: New Law Allows Gov't To Revoke Citizenship For Acts Of Terror

[world politics news]

A federal law has gone into effect that allows the government to revoke the citizenship of some Canadians convicted of terrorism, treason or espionage.  The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration can now revoke citizenship for anyone found guilty of terrorism, treason and high treason, and spying for a foreign government.

#USA

Sen. Cruz Also a Canadian Citizen, Say Canadian Lawyers; Could Run For Parliament [world politics news]