The federal government wants to enable naturalization following five years – or even following three years, in the case of “special integration achievements”. Foreigners can currently apply for German citizenship following eight years of residence in the country.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) said: “Women and men who immigrated to Germany have contributed a lot to the fact that the economy is so strong. Germany needs better rules for the naturalization of all these great women and men.”
It may be that we need better rules, but neither Scholz nor Interior Minister Faeser gave a plausible explanation as to why the “great women and men” must be naturalized faster than before. Why the rush? What are the disadvantages of the rules now in force?
► There is no argument for this in the federal government’s coalition agreement between the SPD, the Greens and the FDP from 2021 either. On the contrary, it says: “We will advertise with a campaign regarding the possibilities of acquiring German citizenship.”
► This is confusing: If the government believes it has to promote naturalization, the demand for the German passport cannot be too great. In fact, many foreigners do not apply for a German passport under the current regulation, i.e. following eight years. If so, why would they do it following five years?
It is often said that foreigners do not want to give up their previous citizenship if they accept German citizenship. They are currently required to do so. Therefore, dual citizenship should be allowed in the future. That might be a good idea, but that’s also why the deadline for naturalization doesn’t have to be shortened.
Practically nobody should be deported
So what’s behind the Turbo Pass plan? It fits into the overall picture: the traffic light coalition wants to keep migrants in the country, even if they have no reason for protection, are not granted asylum, or are not recognized as refugees. They should get the new “opportunity right of residence” and then be able to stay. Practically no one should be deported anymore. But if everyone stays anyway, they can also become citizens right away. That’s kind of how people think now in the ministries.
Incidentally, the problems that might arise are not addressed either: Whoever gets the German passport has the right to vote, they have to commit themselves to democracy, justice and the law without any ifs and buts.
But that’s not so easy when you come from a political, cultural and religious environment that is completely alien to democracy and law. This includes the entire Middle East except Israel. This can be a lengthy process, taking more than three or five years.
The German passport is a guarantee for freedom, human rights, co-determination, it is really very valuable. The federal government sells him below value.
Nena Schink “Refugee crisis XXL hits Germany!”
