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ISRAEL

‘Jews want apology, not Spanish citizenship’

One of Europe's most influential rabbis has said the offer of Spanish citizenship made to Sephardi Jews comes a "little late" and that those who apply for a passport will only do so to enter other EU member states.

Published: 17 February 2014 17:00 CET
'Jews want apology, not Spanish citizenship'
Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, president of the Conference of European Rabbis, has voiced his mixed feelings regarding Spain’s decision to grant citizenship to Sephardi Jews. Photo: David Gannon

Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, president of the Conference of European Rabbis, has voiced his mixed feelings regarding Spain’s decision to grant citizenship to Sephardi Jews in an op-ed piece published in Israeli site Ynetnews.

Although the Swiss-born Goldschmidt describes Spain's Justice Ministry's ruling as "commendable", his overall view is that the country governed by Mariano Rajoy still owes a long-overdue apology to its former Jewish population.

"King Juan Carlos (missed) a great opportunity to do so during a visit to a Madrid synagogue in 1992," he argues.

"Even the Portuguese government apologized formally a few years ago (in the 1980s)."

Jewish associations have estimated 3.5 million Sephardic Jews will apply for Spanish citizenship, but Goldschmidt, chief rabbi of Moscow, thinks the figure is much lower.

"I find it hard to believe that hundreds of thousands of Israelis are seriously considering changing their country of residence from Israel to Spain.

"Many of them will be tempted to acquire a second (EU) passport to simplify their entry to countries that still curtail or limit entry of Israelis through visa requirements.

"As my grandfather used to say, a Jew should have at least three passports."

Goldschmidt even suggested that the Spanish government set up a genealogical institute to help Spaniards trace their Jewish heritage.

He also called for them to introduce Judaic studies into Spain's school curriculum.

In 1492, Spain's monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand gave the country's Jews and Muslims three choices: convert to Roman Catholicism, leave the country, or face execution without trial.

Jews made rich contributions to science, music and literature before they were driven out of the country and the old Jewish quarters in medieval Spanish cities like Toledo and Seville where they lived among Christians and Muslims have become popular tourist draws.

But not everybody is convinced by Spain's offer of citizenship to the Sephardi Jews.

Religious leader Rabbi Aviner has forbidden Israelis from applying Spanish passports on the grounds that it would be seen by Spain as a way of “making up” for the expulsions.

Israel allows its citizen to hold dual or multiple citizenship. 

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SPAIN AND THE US

How to quickly get a US passport for a child born in Spain 

What are the steps to apply for a baby's US passport from Spain? How long does it take? Here’s all the experience-based information and tips American parents in Spain should know before beginning the process.

Published: 17 April 2024 16:46 CEST
How to quickly get a US passport for a child born in Spain 

You’ve left the United States and moved to Spain. Now, you’ve added a baby to this fabulous new life. You’ll want to secure their U.S. citizenship and passport straight away.

If one parent is Spanish, your child is entitled to Spanish citizenship. If your child doesn’t qualify for citizenship by birth, they’ll need an American passport to declare their nationality before being registered in Spain.

This article lays out the qualifications for a U.S. passport and the steps to get one. Fortunately, the process is fairly simple, according to people who have done it.

Does your baby qualify for a U.S. passport?
 
Your newborn qualifies for U.S. citizenship and a U.S. passport under the following conditions.
 
– They were born within wedlock to two U.S. citizen parents.
– They were born within wedlock and one of the parents is a U.S. citizen, and lived at least five years in the Unites States, two of which were ager after 14 or
– They were born out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen mother and non-citizen father.
– They were born out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen father and non-citizen mother.
 
When the parent who is a U.S. citizen is the father and the baby is born out of wedlock, there are a few additional steps required.

You’ll need to prove the blood relationship between your child and their father, attain a sworn statement from the father agreeing to give financial support until they are 18 years old and supply a written statement acknowledging paternity.

If your child does qualify for American citizenship, the next steps are pretty straightforward, although completing the required forms can be time-consuming.

What are the first steps when applying for a child’s U.S. passport from Spain?

The first step is applying for a Consular Report of Birth abroad (CRBA), which documents that your child is a U.S. citizen at birth. Any of the U.S. Consular Agencies in Spain can accept applications for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA) and U.S. passports.

To begin, you’ll apply online. But remember, you’ll need original copies of any documents you upload; you’ll bring these to your in-person appointment at the consulate.
 
Documents you’ll need include:
 
·      Your child’s Spanish birth certificate.
·      Your marriage certificate, if married.
·      Divorce certificate, if divorced.
·      Evidence of U.S. parent’s citizenship, valid identification, and proof of physical presence in the United States.
·      Valid identification for non-U.S. citizen parent 
 
 “You will need proof of having been a long-term US resident in the past so think about what you can show (school transcripts, tax returns, etc.)” says Liz who moved from Scottsville Arizona to Málaga. Many Americans said this was the most time-intensive part.
 
Once you’ve completed and submitted your CRBA, you’re ready to make an appointment at a U.S. Consulate. The best way to make the appointment is by contacting the consulate directly, but make sure to wait for three days after submitting and paying for your CRBA. The fee is $100.00.

Remember, you must bring the original versions of every document you uploaded for your CRBA application, and your child must be present. Generally, both parents must also be present.

You can apply for your child’s passport at the same appointment. Be sure to complete the U.S. passport application prior to your appointment (including payment of a $135 fee) and bring the originals of all documents you uploaded for your passport application. Both parents must sign the application.
 
You’ll need to bring original copies and photocopies of the following documents:
 
·      One 2”x2” (5x5cm) passport picture for your child.
·      A document listing the legal guardians of your child.
·      Identification for both parents.
·      A physical copy of the completed passport application form (DS-11).
 

Important considerations:
 
For the CRBA, the U.S. parent(s) must report their physical presence in the United States, detailing each trip abroad. In other words, it’s crucial you don’t include time abroad in your list of days staying within the United States. If the dates are incorrect, the processing could be suspended until you correct the dates.

“The hardest part for us was to list every country we had ever visited, when and why.  Other than that, pretty easy. We did through the consulate in Valencia. Good luck,” says Sara, who moved from Boston, Massachusetts to Valencia.
 
It’s very important for both listed parents to attend the appointment. If only one parent can attend, you’ll need to submit a Statement of Consent. If you have sole legal custody of your child, you’ll need to bring proof, such as a court order.
 
Bring your child’s passport photo in a separate envelope (to not use it) but don’t staple it to the passport application.

How long does it take?
 
Generally, it takes approximately eight weeks to receive your child’s passport, which will be mailed to you. Be prepared to receive multiple mailings; your passport and citizenship papers will come separately. If you’ve requested both a passport book and a passport card, you’ll get 3 different mailings. If you’d like, you can pay for faster shipping.
 
If you have questions, don’t be shy about contacting your consulate. “It’s a simple process. Visit the US embassy website for any information you need. You can call or email any questions you have,” says Sarah, who moved from San Francisco to Barcelona.

Congratulations on your multinational family!

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