Government reconsiders restrictions on family reunification amid immigrant protests and political pressure in Parliament
Under pressure from President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's veto and immigrant opposition, the center-right Democratic Alliance (AD) government is signaling a retreat from its anti-immigration package. The bill, which had already received a negative ruling from the Constitutional Court, has been resubmitted to Parliament, where the AD lacks a majority.
The Constitutional Court ruled unconstitutional the two-year legal residence requirement for family reunification, which could separate families and violate fundamental rights. In response, the government met with political parties and agreed to reconsider restrictions on family reunification, one of the main criticisms of the package.
Mobilization of Immigrants
Faced with the new situation, immigrants in Portugal are organizing a demonstration in front of the Assembly on September 17th. The event will feature the participation of Brazilian and foreign associations, demanding the maintenance of the right to family reunification and access to documents.
In addition to the anti-immigration package, the Nationality Law, which establishes rules for citizenship applications, was separated from the main bill and will be voted on at a later date. This law, which increases the minimum period of legal residency to begin the citizenship process from five to seven years, is seen as harmful, especially for Brazilians.
The government is trying to buy time, but there's no guarantee the bill will face significant setbacks. Pressure from immigrants and the new dynamics in Parliament could influence future decisions on immigration policy in Portugal.