Modes of acquisition of nationality

Q What are the methods for acquiring nationality?

Ans According to Oppenheim" Nationality of an individual is the quality of being a subject of a certain state and therefore its citizens" Nationality can be both acquired or lost through different methods. Sometimes there can be double citizenship and sometimes statelessness.

Modes of acquisition of Nationality:

(1) By Birth:- The first and most important mode of acquiring nationality is by birth. The vast majority of mankind acquires nationality by birth. It may be according to jus soli (right of soil), that the citizenship of a child is determined by the place of birth. It may be according to jus sanguinis (right of blood), that nationality is determined by having one or both parents who are citizens of the nation. 
e.g a child born  in U.S of French parents has American nationality. 


(2) Naturalization: The most important mode of acquiring nationality besides by birth is that of naturalization. When a person living in a foreign state acquires the citizenship of that state then it is said to be acquired through naturalization. Through naturalization, an alien by birth acquires the nationality of the naturalizing state. Naturalization may take place through different acts.
(i) Marriage-- marriage to a foreign national
(ii) legitimation or adoption of children
(iii) acquisition of domicile
(iv) appoint as govt. official
       The condition for naturalization found in municipal laws vary from country to country. Residence for a certain  period of time is the most common requirement. 

(3) Resumption: Sometimes it so happens that a person may lose his nationality because of certain reasons. Subsequently he may resume his nationality after fulfilling certain conditions.

(4) By Subjugation: When a state is defeated or conquered, all the citizens acquire the nationality of the conquering state.

(5) Cession: When a state has been ceded in another state, all the people of the territory acquire the nationality of the state inwhich their territory has been merged.

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