As I scrolled down the depressing news of the morning, an interesting advertisement caught my eye. Entitled “Get Portuguese citizenship,” a law firm is marketing a basic rule of many EU countries: children and grandchildren of Portuguese nationals can obtain Portuguese citizenship and a Portuguese passport.
It’s called citizenship by descent (CBD). The rules differ by country, but it is based on what is known as jus sanguinis, or right of blood. Anglo-American citizenship is based on jus soli, or right of soil, where you were born, or birthright citizenship. It’s been that way since Edward III, upheld by the Supreme Court since before the 14th Amendment.
For at least seven countries in the EU, you only need at least one grandparent born in that country. Other countries offer residency privileges, which include health care, travel throughout Europe on an EU passport (no boundaries), and for many countries offering this option, a way out of the political mess created by the new regime.
Prayer for the Day
During this season of longer days, open our eyes to your light,
So we are able to look through the windows of your majesty;
Open our hearts so we can see your grace in the world around us.
Bringing us a new vision of your world, full of possibilities.
May we be emboldened so we work for your kingdom,
The realm of justice and mercy and peace.
In the name of the One who embodies that realm,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
When you are a second or third generation migrant, your ties to your heritage can feel a little precarious. You’re a foreigner here, a tourist back in your ancestral land, and home is the magpie nest you construct from the bits of culture you’re able to hold close.
Ash Sarker, British born journalist with South Asian roots
Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which prizes liberty as a heritage of all men, in all lands, everywhere. Destroy this spirit and you have planted the seeds of despotism around your own doors.
Abraham Lincoln, President (1809-1865)
I will deal with all your oppressors at that time.
And I will save the lame and gather the outcast,
And I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.
At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you
For I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth.
When I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord,
Zephaniah 3: 19-20