Despite the hot sun these Argentines are queuing round the block.<br/> It's the last day that descendants of emigres from Spain can apply for Spanish citizenship under what is known as the "grandchildren law."<br/> Some 10,000 individuals applied in the Argentine capital between October and December alone.<br/> But while Spain is in economic turmoil Argentina is booming these days.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ARGENTINE MAN SEEKING SPANISH CITIZENSHIP, DANIEL GARCIA, SAYING:<br/> "No, for now I'm staying here. For more than anything it is to be able to travel or have the passport. It is different for those living there."<br/> In Cuba many applicants ARE looking to escape economic hardship.<br/> 66,000 Cubans have received Spanish passports since the law went into effect in December 2008 and the Spanish embassy estimates that number could climb as high as 180,000.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) 29-YEAR-OLD MAN APPLYING FOR SPANISH CITIZENSHIP UNDER THE LAW OF HISTORICAL MEMORY, SAMUEL PEREZ, SAYING:<br/> "It has been like an escape, like something transcendental for Cuba. A lot of grandchildren have been able to reconnect with their families on the outside. They've bettered their economic situation."<br/> The law was originally set to expire in 2010, but due to high demand Spanish officials decided to extend it another year.<br/> Lily Grimes, Reuters
