CITIZENSHIP DEPRIVATION
Civil Sanctions cover a range of actions that the government has taken as part of the ‘War on Terror’.
You may have seen the story of the high-profile British aid worker, Tauqir Sharif. He has been stripped of his citizenship without the British Government presenting any challengeable evidence in a public court hearing to back up their allegations. But what does it mean to be deprived of your citizenship and what impact does a deprivation have on people?
1. What is citizenship deprivation?
Citizenship deprivation is when an individual with any citizenship status – whether through birth or naturalisation – has that citizenship removed by the government.
It is not the same as deportation. Though, citizenship deprivation can lead to deportation, and in some cases, when the removal takes place while the person is overseas, the two happen simultaneously.
The laws that allow for citizenship deprivation differ from country to country which you can read more about here.
2. Who can have their citizenship removed?
Currently, there are two primary conditions under which citizenship can be deprived. If a person has gained citizenship through fraud or false representation. Or when the government decides that ”deprivation is conducive to the public good”. As a result, those citizens who are able to claim citizenship of another country – through ancestry for example – can have their citizenship removed if it is seen to be “conducive to the public good”.
3. What are the consequences of citizenship deprivation?
The consequences are far-reaching. The consequences range from people having to relocate to countries where they have never been, to individuals who have had to return to war-torn areas. Areas where governments are despotic and have absolutely no regard for human rights.
The result of these cases are serious. Because the ‘War on Terror’ rhetoric, and the stigma of being deported for ‘counter-terrorism’ means people not only struggle to get jobs, but they are the immediate viewed with suspicion.
4. Is it a racist policy?
Yes, because it only ever targets people who have ancestors or parents that are from a different ethnicity. And to our knowledge it almost always happens to Muslims.
Citizenship deprivations represent the convergence of far-right populist sentiments. It is a policy which seeks to subdue Muslims and children of migrants to their home countries. The end result is that we are forever guests who must remain grateful and docile should we wish to remain in the country.