In the wake of the contentious 2024 presidential election, many individuals, particularly from the entertainment industry, have expressed intentions to renounce their American citizenship and relocate to other countries. This declaration has ignited discussions about the feasibility of dual citizenship or obtaining a second passport, especially in a politically charged environment. Several nations provide pathways to citizenship rooted in ancestry, allowing citizens of foreign nations to claim nationality based on their heritage.
Citizenship by descent is a concept embraced by numerous countries globally, permitting individuals to secure nationality through their parents, grandparents, or even more distant ancestors. This practice varies in terms of eligibility criteria and requirements. Below, you will find a comprehensive list of nine countries that offer citizenship through ancestry, each possessing unique regulations that facilitate this process.
**Ghana** stands out under its Citizenship Act established in 2002, allowing individuals with Ghanaian lineage to apply for citizenship. The Ghanaian government has introduced initiatives like the “Year of Return,” specifically aimed at encouraging African Americans and Afro-Caribbeans to reconnect with their roots. Additionally, the “Right of Abode” program enables individuals of African descent to reside indefinitely in Ghana without a visa, provided they can substantiate their lineage. This initiative highlights Ghana’s commitment to embracing its diasporic communities.
**Germany** is another potential avenue for those seeking citizenship by descent. The country allows individuals with a German parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent to apply for citizenship. There are significant provisions for descendants of individuals who lost their citizenship due to the Nazi regime, ensuring that their descendants can reclaim their nationality. Furthermore, children born to a German father and a foreign mother prior to July 1, 1993, have particular pathways to citizenship if paternity is established by the age of 23.
**Hungary** enables descendants to claim citizenship regardless of the number of generations that may have passed since their ancestors lived in the country. As a progressive move, Hungary does not require applicants to demonstrate proficiency in the Hungarian language. Additionally, naturalization is possible through marriage to a Hungarian citizen, with another pathway open for longer-term residents.
In contrast, **India** does not permit dual citizenship in the traditional sense, but it offers the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), which provides multiple entry visas and rights akin to non-resident Indians, such as educational and economic privileges. Ancestry plays a crucial role here, as applicants are required to have an Indian parent or grandparent while being prohibited from claiming eligibility if they have Pakistani or Bangladeshi origins.
For those with Irish heritage, **Ireland** automatically grants citizenship to individuals if they have a parent born in the country before the landmark date of January 1, 2005. Citizens with Irish grandparents can pursue citizenship through a “Foreign Birth Registration” process, which is managed in Dublin. Even great-grandchildren of Irish citizens can apply, although they are often asked for additional documentation.
Another promising option is **Italy**, where citizenship can be passed down if an applicant’s Italian ancestor did not naturalize in another country before the birth of the next in line. If the ancestor is female, her child must have been born after January 1, 1948. Furthermore, naturalization is an option for those married to Italian citizens or residents who have lived in Italy for a relevant duration.
In **Poland**, the laws dictate that individuals can claim citizenship if they can substantiate their lineage to ancestors born in Poland or its former territories. Applicants must prove their ancestors resided in Poland after 1920 and retained their Polish citizenship, supported by original documentation issued in Poland.
**Portugal** offers a path for individuals with at least one grandparent who possesses Portuguese citizenship. To facilitate this process, applicants are required to provide birth certificates that connect them with their Portuguese ancestor, and the applications must be processed in person within Portugal.
Lastly, **Spain** allows individuals with either a Spanish parent or grandparent to apply for citizenship. Furthermore, minors who have been adopted by Spanish nationals can also pursue this opportunity. Finalizing Spanish citizenship entails passing two crucial examinations: the DELE A2 for basic proficiency in the Spanish language and the CCSE, which tests knowledge about Spanish culture and the constitution.
As of now, there remains uncertainty regarding whether any high-profile individuals who have publicly vowed to abandon the United States will indeed follow through with their plans before the inauguration of President-elect Trump in January. The discussions surrounding citizenship and migration continue to evolve, echoing sentiments among Americans as they navigate their future amid shifting political landscapes.
Jasmine, a contributing writer at Fox News Digital, is a military spouse residing in New Orleans. Comments and suggestions regarding this topic can be sent to jasmine.baehr@fox.com.