Dual Citizenship for the Republic of Armenia: Posing Questions of Law and Circumstance Andrew D. Kzirian, Esq. Morgan Lewis & Bockius, LLP June 17, 2006.

Dual Citizenship for the Republic of Armenia:

Posing Questions of Law and Circumstance

Andrew D. Kzirian, Esq.

Morgan Lewis & Bockius, LLP

June 17, 2006

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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

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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.

Each country’s approach to citizenship varies as a function of its economic condition, political atmosphere, diaspora size, etc.

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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?

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Specific Parameters

Dual Citizenship Law Complications Powerful

DiasporaDomestic Society

Integration (Refugees)

Any dual citizenship type arrangement must acknowledge all factorsAny dual citizenship type arrangement must acknowledge all factors

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Special Residency Status

POSITIVES

10 year term – open to renewal with fee

Can buy and sell property

Facilitated entrance / exit

NEGATIVES

No voting

No political organizations

No running for office

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Prospective Spectrum of Dual Citizenship

Missing Links in the Chain…

No dual citizenship

Special Residency

Status

“Provisional Citizenship”

Progressive Attainment of

Dual Citizenship

Full dual citizenship

and integration

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.Some overlap in privileges – but limited.

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Provisional Citizenship

Armenian case

Sociopolitical difficulties of dual citizenship

Domestic socioeconomic condition

Diaspora’s potential

Extremes

Lessons

Balance

Moderation

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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

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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 CitizenshipPhase-In Approach to Dual Citizenship

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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