Describe the method to acquire citizenship.
Answers
Citizenship may be obtained by two methods viz. i) by birth, or (ii) by naturalization.
i) Birth: There are two practices which are observed regarding the acquisition of citizenship by birth —Jus Sanguinis and Jus Soli.
By birth or Jus Sanguinis: As per Jus Sanguinis, a child acquires the citizenship of parents irrespective of the place of birth, e.g., the child born of Indian parents is an Indian citizen whether it is born on Indian soil or abroad.
This system is in vogue by most of the states in the world.
This practice is natural as well as logical.
It is exclusively followed in Germany, Italy, Sweden, Norway etc.
Jus Solly: This states that citizenship shall be determined by the place of birth and not by the parent.
This practice is now not popular. It was, followed during middle ages when citizenship was associated with the land.
At present, this practice is followed in Argentina.
ii) Naturalization: Citizenship can also be acquired through naturalization which means an alien can become a citizen after fulfilling certain criteria.
Though these conditions vary from state to state, yet some of the general guidelines which are to be observed.