What is Nationality? CBI and National Identity

While the CBI programs have helped many perpetual travelers obtain a second nationality, they still have their detractors. In a world of increased uncertainty, where the structures we thought solid can totter, having a second or a third nationality can be reassuring.

What is nationality? When do we feel we belong? Many argue that nationality shouldn't be sold or bought, and that this goes against a country's essence, but this requires a deeper analysis.

What Is Nationality? Difference Between Nationality and Passport

Asking ourselves “what is nationality” is a good idea. We can describe it as a whole package that consists of legal and cultural aspects.

From a legal point of view, the difference between nationality and passport is hard to determine. A person of a certain nationality has the right to a passport so that he/she can travel. In line with this, nationality comes with certain rights and responsibilities. Citizens are obliged to pay taxes and follow the rules while getting benefits in return, like access to healthcare, services, protective policies, and others.

Yet, nationality has a different aspect that goes way beyond a travel document. What is nationality for each person? Although personal opinion matters, in general, a person feels part of the country when they share culture, habits, food, dates, celebrations, and so on. If we consider this, no travel document can define or change what is nationality for people who share these same experiences. 

Difference Between Nationality and Passport and Why It Is Not for Sale

Those who claim CBI programs sell citizenship don't consider the fact that the contribution provides eligibility, not direct citizenship. While a CBI involves a donation or investment, this gives the right to apply for citizenship, after which the applicant must pass a due diligence and screening process. This surely makes us wonder about what is nationality. Actually, more traditional methods don’t apply such tight assessments. 

CBI and National Identity

Even with CBI programs in place, national identity is not threatened. People won't stop celebrating their festivals or eating their traditional food, so the country's idiosyncrasies remain intact. The inflow of CBI citizens can have an impact, but this is the same that has been happening since humans emigrated out of Africa 70,000 years ago.

The people of Europe and the United States have been shaped by different flows of migration and conquests, and the result is a rich cultural tapestry.

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What is Nationality? CBI in the Lesser Antilles

In the eastern Caribbean, five countries have established citizenship by investment programs, which attract foreign investment to boost the local economy and create job positions. In such small islands with limited resources, this flow of foreign capital can make a big difference.

Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda have stipulated two main contribution pathways: donation and real estate investment. St. Lucia has added the possibility to invest in government bonds, which don't bring returns but offer a full cashback. Moreover, it recently announced its intention to tighten the requirements. 

Another country in the eastern Caribbean is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the only one without such a program. However, things might be about to change. While the Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves, has manifested his opinion against CBIs, the opposition party thinks otherwise. This means that we don't know what could happen if there were a change of government in the future.

Recently, a poll was conducted to establish the people's opinion, and the results were in favor of change. 76% of citizens believe a CBI program will help create job positions, improve services, and boost the economy, and 68% rejected the notion that citizenship by investment would be detrimental to national identity. Nonetheless, a fair number have expressed concerns that the presence of a CBI can represent potential travel hindrances for natural citizens.

Either way, officialism has taken a stand on the matter, and we can only hope to see what happens in the elections. Until then, we can seize the opportunities of the other five Caribbean countries and Vanuatu.

Disclaimer: This article is published for general information only and does not constitute legal, migration, or investment advice. This article doesn't take a position on CBI and national identity. Before choosing a CBI program, consult with a certified professional.

What Is Nationality in the Modern World?

The enormous changes between the 20th and 21st centuries not only influenced the way we communicate, or the way we work and live. If we ask ourselves “what is nationality”, we can understand that there are new ways to achieve it.

Unlike the traditional path, citizenship by investment is much more straightforward and safe. CBI involves more due diligence than other alternatives, like naturalization by marriage or descent.

At Mundo, we can help you obtain citizenship in any of the five Caribbean countries and Vanuatu, and also a golden-visa-type residency in Panama. Send us a message and ask us about banking abroad, corporate services, trusts, real estate investment, and family office.

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