In a significant move, German lawmakers have approved legislation to make it easier for individuals to gain citizenship and end the ban on holding dual citizenship. The bill, proposed by centre-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s socially liberal coalition, was passed in parliament on Friday with a vote of 382-234, with 23 lawmakers abstaining. This legislation aims to reduce the waiting time for eligibility for citizenship and opens up the possibility of dual nationalities.
Under the new law, individuals can become eligible for citizenship after five years of residency in Germany, or three years in case of “special integration accomplishments,” compared to the current requirement of eight or six years. Additionally, German-born children will automatically become citizens if one parent has been a legal resident for five years, down from eight. This change will allow tens of thousands of German-born Turks to become voters, as previously, dual nationality was only permitted for citizens of other European Union countries.
Chancellor Scholz, in a video welcoming the citizenship law, emphasized that it is for those who have lived and worked in Germany for decades, abiding by the laws and considering it their home. He stated, “With the new citizenship law, we are saying to all those who have often lived and worked in Germany for decades, who abide by our laws, who are at home here: You belong to Germany.”
However, the main centre-right opposition bloc criticized the project, arguing that it would devalue German citizenship. Social Democratic legislator Reem Alabali-Radovan defended the law, stating that having two passports is a normal thing in most countries and that Germany should recognize its diverse population. She expressed, “We, the 20 million people of migrant backgrounds, we are staying here. This country belongs to us all, and we won’t let it be taken away.”
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier must sign the legislation for it to become law, and it was part of a series of social reforms undertaken by Scholz’s coalition since taking office in 2021. Previously, Germany had one of the world’s most restrictive naturalization laws, granting citizenship only to those who could prove German ancestry. However, with the recognition of Germany’s ethnic diversity and multiculturalism, dating back to the arrival of guest workers in the 1960s, progressive voices have long advocated for a more inclusive citizenship law.
The far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD), which had faced protests after revelations of discussions about deporting “unassimilated” German citizens, opposed the law. They, along with opposition conservatives, raised concerns about “devaluing” the German passport and importing division. Conservative legislator Alexander Throm cautioned coalition politicians, stating, “You want to create new votes for yourselves with this law. But careful: Most [Turks] who live here vote for AKP [Turkey’s ruling party] and [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan. … You’re bringing the conflict to us.”
However, surveys have shown that German Turks, many of whom have Kurdish or Arab backgrounds, vote for a range of Turkish parties, none of which participate in German elections.
The passage of this citizenship law marks a significant step towards acknowledging Germany’s diverse population and providing opportunities for integration and participation in the country’s democratic processes.
