Nicaragua has eliminated dual nationality, a move finalized this week after a second vote in the National Assembly. The reform to Article 23 of the Political Constitution stipulates that Nicaraguan nationality will be lost upon acquiring another, effectively reversing a 2000 reform.
A Shift in Constitutional Law
The change, initially announced in May 2025 during an event commemorating Augusto C. Sandino, is part of a broader effort to modify the country’s governing charter. According to official statements, the move is “anti-imperialist” and intended to prevent “foreign interference.” Gustavo Porras, President of the National Assembly, stated the argument is “absolutely solid,” asserting that “no one should serve two homelands.”
The announcement sparked concern among Nicaraguans, many of whom voiced their discontent on social media—a relatively unusual act given the climate of fear surrounding public expression of dissent. A key worry is whether the law will be applied retroactively, potentially impacting thousands of citizens holding multiple nationalities.
While President Porras assured the public the law would not be retroactive, critics remain skeptical. Lawyer Juan Diego Barberena pointed to previous actions by the Ortega-Murillo regime, noting that in February 2023, 222 political prisoners were stripped of their nationality and exiled, and another 94 people in exile faced the same fate shortly after—actions taken without existing constitutional basis at the time.
Legal Justification and Concerns
The regime formalized the legal basis for stripping nationality with Law No. 1190, published in La Gaceta on January 22, 2024. This law allows the state to revoke citizenship from those deemed “traitors to the homeland.” This came nearly a year after the practice was already being implemented, a move Barberena described as a violation of the principle of non-retroactivity.
The current reform reverses a 2000 change to the Constitution, which had eliminated the loss of nationality to avoid disenfranchising exiles who had acquired other citizenships in the 1970s and 80s. Barberena argues the current move is intended to prevent those in exile—particularly those naturalized in countries like Spain—from participating in future elections.
Critics suggest the reform specifically targets the diaspora that fled Nicaragua following the brutal repression of protests beginning in 2018, seeking refuge and citizenship in countries like Costa Rica, Spain, and the United States. The new law also provides a pathway to strip citizenship from anyone labeled a “traitor to the homeland,” a designation applied at the regime’s discretion, without due process or evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this law mean for Nicaraguans with dual citizenship?
According to the reformed Constitution, Nicaraguan citizens who acquire another nationality will lose their Nicaraguan citizenship.
Has this happened before?
Yes, in February 2023, the regime stripped 222 political prisoners of their Nicaraguan nationality and exiled them to the United States. Another 94 people in exile were stripped of their citizenship shortly after.
Will this law be applied retroactively?
While President Porras has stated the law will not be applied retroactively, critics like Juan Diego Barberena express doubt, citing the regime’s past actions.
What implications will this new law have for Nicaraguans living abroad and their potential involvement in the country’s future?
