The Polish Card Act:

Introduced in 2007, the Polish Card allows individuals with Polish heritage or those active in Polish organizations to apply for Polish citizenship. Applicants needed to demonstrate Polish lineage through their ancestors—parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents. However, many have reportedly exploited these provisions, using fraudulent documents to claim Polish origin.

Stricter Requirements:

The tightened measures include stricter verification processes and language proficiency requirements for applicants. Authorities aim to curb the misuse and ensure that only genuine candidates benefit from the program. Poland’s move aligns with broader EU trends, where several countries, such as Sweden and Finland, have also made citizenship criteria more stringent to prevent irregularities.

Impact on Migrants:

These changes are expected to impact thousands, particularly from neighboring countries like Ukraine and Belarus. With over 206,000 Polish Cards currently issued, the policy shift signals a significant change in Poland’s migration management. Critics argue that while the Polish Card Act helps maintain cultural ties, the stricter rules could disenfranchise genuine applicants, including long-time Polish community activists.

Context in the EU:

Poland’s decision follows a broader trend in the EU to tighten citizenship pathways, balancing migration control with national security. The shift highlights Poland’s focus on preserving the integrity of its immigration system while addressing the potential misuse of nationality grants.

This evolving policy landscape illustrates how Poland navigates migration pressures, balancing its cultural heritage with regulatory scrutiny. As the new measures come into effect, the challenge will be ensuring fair treatment of all applicants while maintaining robust controls against abuses.