On Tuesday, the House approved a new amendment that lets Brazilians keep their citizenship if they get another.
The Senate passed this bill in 2021. Now it waits for the President’s signature.
Under the new rules, you can lose Brazilian citizenship in two ways.
The first is if you ask to give it up after gaining a different one. The second is if a court finds you guilty of fraud or harming the country.
Representative Bia Kicis says the change will help around 4 million people. Kicis says the update fixes old rules.
Now, Brazilians who move abroad can also be citizens of another country. “You can stay Brazilian if you want to,” she stated.
Current laws are strict. You lose Brazilian citizenship if you get another. Courts can also cancel it if you harm the nation.
Some exceptions are there, like if the new country recognizes your original citizenship.
Background
This move marks a shift in Brazilian policy. Before, the law leaned toward national exclusivity. Now, it embraces a more global outlook.
Dual citizenship is common in other nations. For instance, the U.S. and many EU countries allow it.
In Brazil, the old rule seemed outdated. Many Brazilians live abroad for work or study. These people faced a tough choice.
They had to pick between countries. The new amendment offers more freedom.
The change also mirrors global trends. Worldwide, borders are becoming less important. People identify with multiple cultures.
Governments recognize this. The amendment keeps Brazil in step with this shift.
Dual citizenship has its critics too. They worry about divided loyalties. Yet, the new rule has limits. It sets clear conditions for losing Brazilian nationality.
This aims to keep citizens accountable to Brazil, even if they live elsewhere.
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