Canada abandons controversial rule on inheritance of citizenship
Minister of Immigration Marc Miller announces the changes.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller has expressed the official position of the Canadian authorities on the current citizenship legislation. The law includes a so-called "first generation limit" on citizenship by descent. This means that children born abroad to Canadian citizens beyond the first generation are not automatically entitled to Canadian citizenship at birth.
The clause has long provoked controversial reactions in Canadian society, and on December 19, 2023, the Ontario Superior Court ruled the restriction unconstitutional. Under the rules, the government side has the right to challenge the court's decision, but Miller said that will not happen:
"This law, as it currently stands, has had unacceptable consequences for Canadians whose children were born outside the country. For this reason, we will not appeal the ruling."
The Minister also said that people who are affected will surely seek answers to questions about what such a decision will mean for them and their families. He assured that the government will continue to analyze the implications of this decision on existing legislation. Further information and guidance on next steps will be available shortly.
Miller concluded by noting that Canadian citizenship is valued around the world, and as Minister, he is committed to ensuring that the citizenship process is as fair and transparent as possible.
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