Liberian nationality law
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| Republic of Liberia |
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History · Politics · Demographics |
The Republic of Liberia was founded by free American slaves of African origin who formed the American Colonization Society and returned to establish a republic on African soil. Nationality law is based on its first constitutions enacted in 1847 and revised in 1955 and 1984. As such its citizenship laws are enfused with a certain spirit of pan-Africanism and an earlier form of black empowerment. The first constitution allowed for women to transmute their nationality to their children, although multiple citizenship was not permitted nor is it permitted in revisions of the constitution.
Liberia is also one of the relatively few remaining countries in the world conferring nationality on the basis of race. This policy of granting Liberian citizenship only to persons who are of African decent and excluding all other races, has begun to receive increasing criticism from the international community. Within Liberia itself, the wider implications of the policy are part of a heated debate in which native Liberians themselves have acknowledged that non-Africans are crucial contributors to the country's economic activities and innovation system.
Interesting features of the first constitution that have been upheld until today include:
- Article V, Section 13 of the 1847 Constitution which states: "The great object of forming these Colonies, being to provide a home for the dispersed and oppressed children of Africa , and to regenerate and enlighten this benighted continent, none but persons of colour shall be eligible to citizenship in this Republic." The phrasing "persons of colour" was changed to "Negroes or persons of Negro descent" in a 1955 revision.
The Liberian legislature was charged with establishing criteria for naturalization. According to the constitution, therefore, the country's influential and affluent Lebanese expatriate community is not eligible for naturalization.
