By Deutsche Welle
19 Jul 2024, 23:38 PM EDT
Cuba’s parliament approved the Citizenship Law on Friday, which, among other things, allows the government to revoke citizenship from those who commit “acts contrary” to the country’s political “interests.”
The approved law empowers the Cuban president to strip citizenship by decree of those who enlist “in any type of armed organization with the objective of attacking” the country or its citizens and those who carry out “acts contrary to the higher political, economic and social interests” of the island.
The affected person must be resident outside the country or have another nationality, although exceptions are contemplated for serious reasons.
The promoters of the law have argued that this power would only be used in an “exceptional” manner and that its true scope has been exaggerated from abroad.
Several NGOs and human rights activists have warned about the potential political use of denationalization in Cuba, pointing to Nicaragua as a recent example.
The new law, on the other hand, establishes that Cuban citizenship is acquired by being born on the island and, in the case of foreigners, by naturalization.
The text approved by the National Assembly (unicameral parliament) also states that having acquired foreign citizenship does not imply the loss of Cuban citizenship.
It also provides that children of Cuban parents born on the island who have renounced, lost or been deprived of Cuban citizenship may request to acquire it when they reach the age of majority.
Immigration Law was also approved
Minutes after it was approved, parliamentarians also gave the green light to the Immigration Law, which regulates foreign citizens in the Caribbean country.
Both laws, along with the Immigration Law, approved on the same day, are the documents that generated the most expectations inside and outside the country during the third session of parliament.
The new immigration law allows authorities to prohibit entry into Cuba to persons related to “hostile actions against the political, economic and social foundations of the Cuban State” or for “reasons of national defense and security.”
It also authorizes the prohibition of any person from leaving the country for “reasons of national defense and security,” for “lacking the required authorization” because they are considered “qualified labor force” for the country, to “guarantee the security and protection of official information,” and even for “public interest.”
Its entry into force must take place 180 days after being officially approved by the National Assembly.