5 things you need to know about nationality law right now
- Nationality law determines who qualifies as a citizen of a country, often based on birthplace (jus soli) or descent (jus sanguinis). The global trend is shifting away from automatic birthright citizenship, with over 30 countries tightening rules in the past decade.
- Dual nationality restrictions are rapidly changing, with India, China, and Japan still banning it, but the European Union now allows multiple citizenships for nearly all member states. This impacts tax obligations, voting rights, and military service.
- Renunciation of citizenship is becoming harder as governments crack down on tax evasion and security risks. In the U.S., renouncing now costs $2,350, and you must prove you're not doing it to avoid legal troubles.
- Statelessness, affecting at least 4.3 million people worldwide, is a growing crisis driven by nationality law gaps. The UNHCR is pushing for countries to reform laws so no child is born without a nationality, yet 25 nations still deny citizenship to certain ethnic groups.
- A major warning is that nationality law changes often target dual citizens for political leverage. In 2023, Russia revoked at least 30 citizenships over anti-war protests, while countries like Myanmar used law amendments to strip Rohingya of nationality—proving it's a powerful tool for exclusion.