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Cassandra Fultz, RCIC-IRB
Today, Immigration Minister Marc Miller unveiled Bill C-71, a groundbreaking piece of legislation set to transform Canadian citizenship by descent. This bill aims to extend citizenship beyond the first generation in an inclusive manner, preserving the core values of Canadian citizenship.
This legislation would automatically confer Canadian citizenship to persons born abroad to a Canadian parent who was also born abroad prior to the legislation’s enactment. It would also extend access to a direct grant of citizenship to children born abroad and adopted by a Canadian parent beyond the first generation. Following the legislation’s implementation, parents born abroad who have or adopt children also born outside Canada will need to have spent at least 1,095 cumulative days of physical presence in Canada prior to the birth or adoption of their child to pass on citizenship.
Key Highlights of Bill C-71:
- Immediate Citizenship for Second-Generation Canadians Abroad:
- Children born abroad to a Canadian parent, who themselves were born abroad before the bill’s enactment, will immediately gain Canadian citizenship.
- Expanded Access for Adopted Children:
- The bill extends direct citizenship grants to children born overseas and adopted by Canadian parents, beyond the first generation.
- Physical Presence Requirement:
- Parents born abroad who have or adopt children outside of Canada must have spent at least 1,095 cumulative days (approximately 3 years) in Canada before their child’s birth or adoption to pass down citizenship.
- Reinstatement for Lost Canadians:
- Bill C-71 reinstates citizenship for “Lost Canadians”—those who lost or never obtained citizenship due to outdated laws.
- The bill will also grant citizenship to descendants of “Lost Canadians” and second-generation Canadians born overseas.
This legislation represents a significant shift towards inclusivity and recognition of the diverse experiences of Canadians worldwide. By addressing the gaps in previous citizenship laws, Bill C-71 ensures that more individuals can proudly claim their Canadian heritage.
As these changes may raise questions for individuals and their families, it’s essential to stay informed and understand how this new legislation might impact your citizenship status.
Stay tuned for more updates on Bill C-71 and its journey through the legislative process!
