Dual Citizenship for the
Republic of Armenia:
Posing Questions of Law and
Circumstance
Andrew D. Kzirian, Esq.
Morgan Lewis & Bockius, LLP
June 17, 2006
A Dual Citizenship Approach for Armenia
Proposal for Dual Citizenship
Phase-In Process
Based on experiences of other
states
International Law
Custom tailored for Armenia
1
International & Domestic Law / Examination of States
International & Domestic law
The United States
Russia
Ireland
Estonia
Mexico
Israel
African Union
India
South Africa
Each country’s approach to citizenship varies as a function of its
economic condition, political atmosphere, diaspora size, etc.
2
The Armenian Case
Host of questions
How unique is Armenia?
Socially?
Politically?
Economically?
What factors come into
fashioning a law?
Contributions? Would that
change?
Dichotomy – potential for
increased mainstream
societal contributions?
Inflow v. Outflow?
3
Specific Parameters
Powerf Domes Integra
Dual Complic ul tic tion
Citizenship Law ations Diaspo Societ (Refug
ra y ees)
Any dual citizenship type arrangement must acknowledge all factors
4
Special Residency Status
POSITIVES NEGATIVES
10 year term – open to No voting
renewal with fee
No political organizations
Can buy and sell property
No running for office
Facilitated entrance / exit
5
Prospective Spectrum of Dual Citizenship
Missing Links in the Chain…
Progre Full
ssive dual
Special “Provi
No dual Attain citizen
Residen sional
citizenship ment ship
cy Citizen
of Dual and
Status ship”
Citizen integra
ship tion
No Civic Duties / No Participation Full Civic Duties and Participation
No Suffrage Suffrage
No Right to Hold Office Right to Hold Office
Some overlap in privileges – but limited.
6
Provisional Citizenship
Armenian case
Sociopolitical difficulties of dual
citizenship
Domestic socioeconomic
condition
Diaspora’s potential
Extremes
Lessons
Balance
Moderation
7
Provisional Citizenship Cont’d
Jus Sangiunis v. Jus Soli
Based on ethnic lineage
“Phase-In” concept
3 year period
Fee
3 weeks per year
100 hours of community service
Military Service
8
Provisional Citizenship Cont’d
Buying and selling property
Temporary disallowances
No voting – No running
Facilitate integration of
Diaspora Armenians
Appreciation for domestic
society and concerns
Renewal fee per year
Military exemption
Phase-In Approach to Dual Citizenship
9
Conclusions and Key Issues / Points of Discussion
Coming full circle
Fulfillment of requirements
Eligibility for citizenship
Integration
Armenia’s domestic condition
Armenia’s geopolitical situation
Influential Diaspora
Experiences of other states
Balance
10