New Canadian citizenship law opens door to millions of Americans

A new law in Canada, effective December 15, opens the door for descendants of Canadians to obtain citizenship, potentially affecting millions of people in the U.S. Applicants will need to prove their family connections to qualify for a citizenship certificate. Immigration lawyers in both countries have noticed a rise in clients seeking help. For example, Zack Loud from Farmington, Minnesota, learned he and his siblings are eligible for citizenship through their Canadian grandmother. Nicholas Berning, an immigration attorney in Bellingham, Washington, has seen a notable increase in his workload. Troy Hicks, a U.S. applicant, noted that after a trip to Australia, he found a Canadian passport seemed "easier, better, more palatable." The surge is driven by family connections, job opportunities, and political factors.