Germany enacts legislation permitting dual nationality
In a significant political change for foreigners residing in Berlin, a new German citizenship law was passed on January 19th, 2023. This reform, set to come into effect from April 2024, is expected to be one of the biggest news affecting foreigners in the city this year. The new law aims to increase political participation and workforce stability in Berlin. Currently, only a fraction of the city's population, approximately a quarter, can vote in most elections due to not being citizens. This number is growing by tens of thousands every year, with around 1.5 million people with a migration background in Berlin as of June 2023. The new regulations will make it possible for people with a migration background to become German citizens in just five years of residency, down from eight. This move is anticipated to significantly increase the percentage of the city that can fully participate in the political process. One of the key changes in the new law is the relaxation of the rule that demands a person renounce their original nationality to claim a German passport. Under the new regulations, it will be possible for dual citizenship, offering a more accurate representation of voices in government. The economy of Berlin is expected to be boosted by a workforce incentivized to stay. Thousands of Berliners will have their citizenship process expedited by the new reform, reducing the current backlog of 27,000 citizenship applications at Berlin's Ausländerbehörden. However, the newly confirmed reform of Germany's citizenship law is subject to a spate of lawsuits. Despite this, the new law may offer a sense of security for long-term residents, providing them with a sense of belonging, without necessitating feeling like a Berliner. The Bundesrat sittings are scheduled for February 2nd and 22nd, and President Steinmeier may enshrine the new law during one of these sessions. However, there is no specific information in the provided search results about a Bundesrat meeting on these dates to officially confirm the new citizenship legislation. The new law, if enacted, is expected to lead to more stability for long-term residents in Berlin, potentially creating a more inclusive and diverse city.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
