The world of DNA testing is expanding beyond health and family history, emerging as a potential pathway to citizenship in Europe. Since the introduction of genetic genealogy tests in 2000, over 40 million people worldwide have embarked on journeys of self-discovery, exploring their ancestral roots through companies like Ancestry, 23andMe, and MyHeritage. This growing fascination with ancestry is now intersecting with citizenship applications, creating a new trend.
Experts are noticing a significant shift where individuals are leveraging their DNA test results to bolster their citizenship applications. Prof. Turi King, director of the Milner Centre for Evolution at Bath University, observes that as more people uncover their ancestry and biological connections, they are using this information to acquire citizenship in various countries. King predicts that ancestry DNA testing will become a more common method for Britons to obtain dual citizenship.
This trend is evident in Ireland, where individuals seeking Irish citizenship have begun using DNA evidence to support their claims. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged this practice, confirming that DNA evidence is now acceptable for passport applications. Richard Sayers, a participant on the BBC show “DNA Family Secrets,” provides a compelling example. Sayers successfully used DNA evidence to trace his biological father, paving the way for him to obtain an Irish passport and fulfill his dream of living in Spain.
Similarly, former Olympian Sarah Claxton utilized DNA testing to connect with her American father, subsequently pursuing U.S. citizenship. Her journey highlights the profound impact of DNA tests in bridging gaps in personal identity and family connections. As more individuals seek to trace their roots through DNA testing, legal experts like Louisa Ghevaert are witnessing an increase in inquiries regarding updating birth certificates and applying for citizenship. Ghevaert points out that the motivations for these applications are diverse, ranging from personal heritage and inheritance claims to the pursuit of EU citizenship, particularly in the wake of Brexit.
The use of DNA testing for citizenship applications is a complex and evolving area, raising questions about the legal and ethical implications of using genetic information in this way. As this trend continues to gain traction, it will be interesting to see how governments and legal systems adapt to the emerging realities of DNA-based citizenship claims.
