In this time leading up to the 2024 referendum on the retention of Lithuanian citizenship, the topic is been analyzed in various forums. In April of this year, the website pilietybe.lt published a paper presented by Dr. Ilona Strumickienė, Head of the National Library’s Centre for Statehood. The diaspora’s significant input in assisting the country is a clear argument for allowing Lithuanians to retain their citizenship.
The diaspora has a three-fold function: sending funds, acting as informal ambassadors, and political lobbying. Unfortunately, said Strumickienė, the diaspora is not regarded as an equal partner in developing Lithuania’s future. This is most likely the reason for the reluctance to solve the issue of multiple citizenship for Lithuanian emigrants.
Dr. Strumickiene defines the term diaspora in its widest meaning – people living abroad, outside the borders of their native land or the land of their forefathers. This definition is based on the Lithuanian Charter of Rights, which states that every Lithuanian has the right to express his or her nationality and to pass it on to future generations, no matter where he or she lives, whether or not he or she is active in a Lithuanian community, whether or not he or she knows the Lithuanian language.
Diaspora researchers distinguish the influence of a country’s diaspora on several sectors of that country’s life. Economic support is mentioned most often, most simply in the form of money transfers and packages. In Lithuania this was evident from the very first emigration. Emigrants sent money back to repay debts, build houses, purchase land, fund churches and community facilities. During the Soviet occupation, members of the diaspora sent parcels containing medication and other unavailable goods. Once independence was restored, vast containers of clothing, medicine and medical supplies were funded by Lithuanian organizations foundations and charities as well as non-Lithuanian institutions.
After 1990, according to Strumickienė, by emigrating and by sending money home, emigrants helped relieve the strain of the massive economic and social changes that were taking place in Lithuania.
Political lobbying is another area where the diaspora has been able to assist Lithuania, especially in the US, with mass demonstrations urging the recognition of Lithuanian independence, for example.
Between 1940 and 1990, the Lithuanian diaspora ensured that the occupied fatherland was not forgotten, and achieved incredible results by uniting with the diasporas of other nations and employing all possible avenues with political and media representatives.
In 1965, the US House of Representatives unanimously passed Resolution 416 in support of freedom for the Baltic countries, and the US President was urged to bring the matter to the attention of the UN and other forums. Simas Kudirka was set free in 1974 due to the efforts of Lithuanians in the diaspora, which continued to agitate for recognition of Lithuania’s statehood, and the expulsion of the Soviet army, and helped Lithuania attain membership in NATO and the EU.
Following these great geopolitical success stories, the diaspora was left in a type of vacuum. And now? The support shown for Ukraine shows that the diaspora is still very aware of Lithuania’s geopolitical interests.
Dr. Strumickienė recognizes how much time, energy and dedication is required to retain Lithuanian culture in the diaspora. Lithuanian language-learning for children is essential and parents and teachers in every community dedicate themselves to it. Members of the post-war diaspora have been particularly active as volunteer ambassadors of Lithuania, from demonstrations to media contacts to bumper-stickers.
The diaspora is also important in Lithuanian culture, science and the arts, and their activities are well-known, although some are still being discovered. After the restoration of independence, Lithuania’s cultural heritage in the form of books, periodicals, and works of art was sent back to museums and other memory institutions in hundreds of shipping containers.
Every emigrant sending hard-earned money, spending time and energy for Lithuanian causes has shown nothing but generosity and dedication. The Lithuanian diaspora has shown more than once that it can be a positive catalyst for change in the fatherland.
The Lithuanian population is in decline. Yet there may be 1 to 4 million Lithuanians and their descendants living abroad. Should they be abandoned? asks Dr. Strumickienė. No, Lithuania must reach out to them so they may vote “Yes”.
