CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – Representative Musa Hansan (Bility) District #7, Nimba County) has introduced a bill seeking the amendment of the Liberia Aliens and Nationality Law of 2022.
In a statement accompanying the draft law, Rep. Bilitydescribed the proposal as an omnibus bill intended to comprehensively revise and codify all laws concerning immigration, naturalization, and nationality. He said that is not compatibility with modern global realities
“The bill proposes a much-needed overhaul and modernization of these laws, particularly in the areas of citizenship, immigration, and naturalization. It aims to align our policies with contemporary global realities, taking us forward and addressing the pressing need for reform,” Rep. Bility said.
He highlighted that recent years have seen growing national concerns regarding Liberia’s citizenship, immigration, and naturalization policies, underscoring the importance of updating these policies to promote national unity, economic and social development, and effective foreign relations.
The proposed amendments, according to Representative Bility, seek to eliminate barriers to citizenship for natural-born Liberians and their descendants, streamline immigration and naturalization processes, and remove outdated and discriminatory provisions, including colonial references.
Liberia, founded by freed African slaves from the U.S. and the Caribbean with the support of the United States Government crafted a stringent nationality law in 1973. The law imposed strict regulations such as a ban on dual citizenship and restrictions on non-Blacks acquiring citizenship, echoing provisions dating back to 1847. However, in July 2022, Liberia amended this law to permit dual citizenship, allowing Liberians to retain their nationality after acquiring a second citizenship. Additionally, individuals can now claim Liberian citizenship through maternal lineage.
However, a ‘Negro clause’ in the Aliens and Nationality Law, stating that only people of black African descent can be citizens, was untouched.
The new law also restricts dual citizens from occupying elective positions and from being governor of the Central Bank, finance minister and defense minister. Dual citizens seeking to run for office have to renounce the citizenship of the other country at least a year before the date of the election.
While acknowledging the progress made with the 2022 amendment, Rep. Bility emphasized the need to discard outdated protectionist policies inherited from the colonial era and embrace a more open approach to immigration as a catalyst for economic advancement.
As chair of the National Security Committee, Rep. Bility stressed the importance of adapting laws to reflect evolving societal needs and urged the legislature to seize the opportunity to enact reforms that uphold Liberia’s values and promote inclusivity.
“We must not limit our social growth or hold our economic growth to the environment of 1876 but rather should welcome progress and change to meet changing conditions in every sphere of life,” he said.
“Now is the time to start shaking off the dead weight of past mistakes – the time to develop laws on citizenship, immigration and naturalization that are a true reflection of the ideals we proclaim to stand for.”
The proposed amendments include replacing the term “negro” with “African” throughout the law, updating terminology, and refining procedures for naturalization. Additionally, the bill calls for changing the designation of the “Secretary of State” to “Minister of Foreign Affairs.”
Following discussions, the House voted to task its committees on Judiciary, Labor, Good Governance, and Foreign Affairs with reviewing the proposed amendments and presenting recommendations to the plenary for further consideration.