andrewnorris wrote: ↑Fri Feb 12, 2021 1:33 pm
I'm not originally from Ireland but obtained citizenship through one of my parents. It was quite simple. They were here only 5 years and I got it 1 and a half years later.
Many friends I know who have emigrated to places like Austria and Switzerland talk about having to wait 8 to 10 years before even meeting the minimum residency requirements. AFAIK, you then have to go through a rigorous citizenship test (which Ireland doesn't have).
I see the point which you trying to make. but you fundamentally underplay the critical argument which undermines your point beyond repair, however.
Ireland grants citizenship to foreign nationals, who have been legal and law-abiding residents for the duration of five years. Read my lips - law-abiding (police records obtained both in Ireland and applicants' home countries), tax paying (tax-related documents are required) and thus, net contributors to the society (I trust you are wise to dismiss Nigel Farage-sque clowns on both islands in the view of hard data on immigration). After this pre-clearance, immigrants are welcomed to apply for naturalisation, having already secured at least a permanent residence status.
In other countries - e.g. Spain, Portugal, this pre-clearance is extremely lax. Undocumented immigrants through Ceuta or other enclaves make their way to the mainland and frequently then document themselves through frequent and unsystematic 'legalisation' exercises. This is the pathway to EU citizenship thereafter.
In other words, I think you have no point. If other states impose longer residence requirement for naturalisation, its more extensive duration can only refer well, to its duration, not degree of 'lax'. I hope it helps.
