New citizenship law in Greece. Jus Soli and citizenship from birth for migrant children
Related Policy Responses
On 11 March 2010, the Greek Parliament approved a milestone bill proposed by the Greek government that comprehensively reforms Greek citizenship law. Among main changes, which promote equal participation, the law n.3838/2010 introduces jus soli and the chance for automatic acquisition of Greek citizenship to children of migrants if one of the parents is born and permanently resides in the country. Additionally A new mode of citizenship acquisition is introduced for migrant children. The law proposal came after the new government took office and after the campaign for a new citizenship law in Greece by the Hellenic League for Human Rights. Tensions and discussions about purity of Greek race and intolerance related to a more inclusive citizenry or to the fear of attracting more immigrants in the country, were marked by intolerant and sometimes hate speech by extreme right-wing speakers, even inside the Greek Parliament.
Source:
- Hellenic League for Human Rights, 01.12.2009, http://184.107.130.30//files/kei%20full.pdf
- European University Institute, 13.03.2010, http://eudo-citizenship.eu/citizenship-news/260-greek-parliament-passed-comprehensive-citizenship-reform-on-11-march-read-a-summary-by-eudo-citizenship-expert-dimitris-christopoulos
- e-grammes.gr, 28.10.2010, http://www.e-grammes.gr/article.php?id=4574
