It is amazing how much attitudes can change in just a few decades.
By: Zuzana Palovic
Article originally featured here:
Bratislava. (Source: Pexels-Lukas Kosc)
Two years have passed since Slovakia’s Citizenship Act was amended to grant descendants of Slovak emigrants (up to the third generation) a clearer path to reclaiming their heritage. This legislative change has ignited a wave of interest among the Slovak diaspora, which numbers almost 2 million in the USA alone.
These are the descendants of Slovak settlers who arrived on America’s shores at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, ready to work in its coal mines and steel mines. A remarkable one third of the Slovak nation took advantage of the opportunity.
Some 620,000 Slovaks were recorded to be living in America according to 1920 US census.
Anchored in the EU, Slovakia attracts
Fast forward to the 21st century, thanks in part to the popularity of DNA testing but also due to Slovakia’s solid integration in the NATO, the European Union, Schengen and the Eurozone has created a sense of security for many Slovak descendants. Slovakia is no longer just associated with the nostalgic memory of a great-grandfather long passed; it also represents practical gains for the descendant, in addition to being a strategic gateway to the European Union.
This symbolic and strategic added-value has ignited Slovak-Americans to invest in their ancestral roots. At the same time, it sparked discussions about Slovakia’s position vis-à-vis the global community.
The country’s recent general election has raised the question of whether Slovakia is looking eastward and towards the other Slavic nations, or westward towards Europe and the USA. Where will Slovakia go? And where should Slovak-Americans place their loyalties, are all viable concerns.
Nicholas visiting the ancestral village of his great-grandfather. (Source: Courtesy of N. R.)
Useful amendment
The amendment to the Citizenship Act came into effect in April 2022, thanks to the hard work of the One Slovak Family Initiative and my personal efforts, alongside immigration attorneys and migration scholars. It greatly simplified the process of acquiring Slovak citizenship for descendants of Slovak emigrants, a radical pivot for the country and a positive step forward as Slovakia extended a hand to the legions of Slovak descendants abroad.
This was a significant development for individuals like Nicholas Rando or Katrina Hande, whose great-grandparents left Slovakia in search of new opportunities in America. Nicholas, a middle school teacher in New York City, eagerly pursued his Slovak citizenship to honor his family's legacy and forge a deeper connection with the ancestral homeland. Since applying for and receiving his SLA (Slovak Living Abroad Certificate), he has relocated to Slovakia. Nicholas is now in his second year of living and working in Trnava and is awaiting the final decision of the Ministry of Interior, a process which can take up to 24 months.
"Moving to Slovakia has been one of the most challenging--and rewarding-- adventures of my life. I spent 30 years hearing about Slovakia through my grandmother's stories about her father." Nicholas Rando
Katrina is a retired professional, who has spent years passionately reconnecting with her Slovak heritage. Upon visiting Slovakia several times and spending time with long-lost family in eastern Slovakia, Katrina was even more confident of her decision to embark on the citizenship process and encouraged three cousins to apply alongside her. As a retired businesswoman, Katrina doesn’t aspire to come to Slovakia for work, but rather for leisure and part-year living.
“I have spent decades researching generations of my family and learning about my Slovak cultural roots. The culmination of these interests finally came together with the opportunity to apply for Slovak citizenship by Descent.” Katrina Hande
Katriana and her cousins applying for their Slovak citizenship by descent at the Slovak Embassy in Washington, DC. (Source: Courtesy of K. H.)
Positive impact, increased interest
Since its enactment, the amended law has shown promise in reuniting families separated by distance, political development, and the passing of time. Emotionally, it is a transformative experience for many descendants who have the chance to actually come back and visit their ancestral homeland. This often ignites a deeper interest in learning about Slovakia’s history but also its position in the present-day world. Enrollment in the Slovak Studies Program at the University of Pittsburg has gone up since 2022, and nearly 200 descendants have officially submitted applications at the Ministry of Interior. Hundreds more are preparing the paperwork, and this is only the beginning.
Reasons for Slovakia
Why is Slovakia an attractive destination for Americans? The country boasts a high quality of life with affordable living costs, while the delayed industrialization has maintained picturesque natural and architectural landscapes. Visiting historic towns like Bardejov or Košice is akin to stepping into the Medieval Ages for most Americans.
The accessibility of education and healthcare systems further enhances Slovakia's appeal, particularly in reference to the high insurance costs and medical bills in the United States. Finally, the country’s strategic location in the heart of Europe offers easy access to neighboring countries and major European cities, like Vienna, Prague, and Budapest to name a few, making Slovakia an ideal destination for business and leisure travel.
For descendants of Slovak migrants seeking to reconnect with their ancestry, these factors paint a compelling picture of why Slovakia may be an ideal destination for relocation. Beyond the personal journey of rediscovery facilitated by the amended Citizenship Act, Slovakia beckons with its promise of a fulfilling quality of life, economic opportunities, cultural richness, and strategic location.
Europe is on course
This growing interest in relocating to Europe aligns with broader trends of Americans seeking second homes or new lives overseas. A recent Forbes article highlights Portugal as a top destination for expatriates, This trend underscores a shift in lifestyle preferences among Americans, who are increasingly drawn to Europe's quality of life, as well as its healthcare systems and culture.
As Slovakia continues to evolve and refine its relationship with its diaspora, the allure of this Central European gem grows stronger, inviting descendants to not only reclaim their heritage but also embrace a future filled with promise and opportunity.
Zuzana Palovic is the Founder of Global Slovakia, Migration Scholar, Champion behind the Amendment to the Slovak Citizenship Act and author of ‘The Great Return’.
Team Global Slovakia
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