Queues for Spanish citizenship
- 12 years ago
Despite the hot sun these Argentines are queuing round the block.
It's the last day that descendants of emigres from Spain can apply for Spanish citizenship under what is known as the "grandchildren law."
Some 10,000 individuals applied in the Argentine capital between October and December alone.
But while Spain is in economic turmoil Argentina is booming these days.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ARGENTINE MAN SEEKING SPANISH CITIZENSHIP, DANIEL GARCIA, SAYING:
"No, for now I'm staying here. For more than anything it is to be able to travel or have the passport. It is different for those living there."
In Cuba many applicants ARE looking to escape economic hardship.
66,000 Cubans have received Spanish passports since the law went into effect in December 2008 and the Spanish embassy estimates that number could climb as high as 180,000.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) 29-YEAR-OLD MAN APPLYING FOR SPANISH CITIZENSHIP UNDER THE LAW OF HISTORICAL MEMORY, SAMUEL PEREZ, SAYING:
"It has been like an escape, like something transcendental for Cuba. A lot of grandchildren have been able to reconnect with their families on the outside. They've bettered their economic situation."
The law was originally set to expire in 2010, but due to high demand Spanish officials decided to extend it another year.
Lily Grimes, Reuters
It's the last day that descendants of emigres from Spain can apply for Spanish citizenship under what is known as the "grandchildren law."
Some 10,000 individuals applied in the Argentine capital between October and December alone.
But while Spain is in economic turmoil Argentina is booming these days.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ARGENTINE MAN SEEKING SPANISH CITIZENSHIP, DANIEL GARCIA, SAYING:
"No, for now I'm staying here. For more than anything it is to be able to travel or have the passport. It is different for those living there."
In Cuba many applicants ARE looking to escape economic hardship.
66,000 Cubans have received Spanish passports since the law went into effect in December 2008 and the Spanish embassy estimates that number could climb as high as 180,000.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) 29-YEAR-OLD MAN APPLYING FOR SPANISH CITIZENSHIP UNDER THE LAW OF HISTORICAL MEMORY, SAMUEL PEREZ, SAYING:
"It has been like an escape, like something transcendental for Cuba. A lot of grandchildren have been able to reconnect with their families on the outside. They've bettered their economic situation."
The law was originally set to expire in 2010, but due to high demand Spanish officials decided to extend it another year.
Lily Grimes, Reuters