Now the states have also agreed: nationality law is being reformed. This is intended to simplify naturalization and make dual citizenship possible in principle.
The Federal Council has cleared the way for a reform of nationality law. The state chamber approved the law at its meeting on Friday – the mediation committee of the Bundestag and Bundesrat was not contacted. The reform is intended to simplify naturalization and fundamentally enable dual citizenship. In the future, foreigners should be able to apply for a German passport after five instead of eight years in Germany; With “special integration services”, naturalization should be possible after three years.
In addition to a commitment to the Basic Law, in view of the anti-Israel protests in Germany, a commitment to protecting Jewish life will also be required for naturalization in the future. The Bundestag passed the traffic light coalition’s draft two weeks ago. The Federal Council’s approval was not necessary, but it could have appealed to the Mediation Committee.
“Historical reform” of nationality law
The Prime Minister of Rhineland-Palatinate, Malu Dreyer (SPD), spoke in the Federal Council of a “historic reform”. This was long overdue: “Millions of people have been waiting for it.” The reform paves the way for more integration and strengthens social cohesion, added Dreyer. “We are overcoming the boundaries between long-established and immigrant people in our country.”
The deputy prime minister and interior minister of Baden-Württemberg, Thomas Strobl (CDU), expressed criticism of the law and the previous naturalization option at the meeting of the state chamber. Naturalization is a valuable asset, he emphasized. It can only come at the end of a successful integration. “First you integrate, then naturalization follows.” Strobl also denounced the additional administrative burden caused by the reform.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) defended the draft law in January as a step “towards a modern nationality law that meets the requirements of the current time.” There needs to be an appreciation for the people “who come to this country and help make society function,” the minister emphasized.
The reform was welcomed by, among others, the Federal Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination Ferda Ataman, the Federal Immigration and Integration Council (BZI) and the trade unions. However, the Union and the AfD expressed sharp criticism.
Source: Stern
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