- To acquire German citizenship, it is now required to declare Israel’s right to exist to combat anti-Semitism and support Israel.
- Citizenship regulations have been eased, reducing the time needed to obtain a passport and allowing dual nationality.
- Critics argue these measures may infringe on free speech, while the government stresses a commitment to democratic values and historical responsibility.
Germany has introduced a new requirement for citizenship applicants: they must now declare Israel’s right to exist. This measure is part of Berlin’s controversial efforts to support Israel amid its ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In tandem with this new requirement, Germany has also agreed to relax stringent citizenship regulations, reducing the time needed to obtain a passport and easing the acquisition of dual nationality.
“Anyone who shares our values and makes an effort can now get a German passport more quickly and no longer has to give up part of their identity by giving up their old nationality,” stated Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, according to Israeli media. “But we have also made it just as clear: anyone who does not share our values cannot get a German passport. We have drawn a crystal-clear red line here and made the law much stricter than before.”
Since the commencement of the conflict in Gaza last October, Germany has implemented measures to curb anti-Israel sentiments. Even prior to this, the country has labeled any criticism of the conflict as “antisemitic,” raising questions about the status of free speech in Germany.
The interior ministry had previously indicated that the reformed citizenship law would include questions on Judaism and Jewish life in Germany. On Tuesday, the government confirmed that declaring Israel’s right to exist is now also a requirement. “New test questions have been added on the topics of antisemitism, the right of the state of Israel to exist, and Jewish life in Germany,” announced the ministry.
Given Germany’s historical responsibility due to the Holocaust, the new citizenship test emphasizes the country’s commitment to Judaism. The Nazi regime’s murder of six million Jews during the Holocaust is a fundamental part of this historical context.
In March, the German weekly Spiegel reported that applicants would be asked about the year Israel was founded, Germany’s supposed obligation to the country, punishments for Holocaust denial, the name of the Jewish place of worship, and the membership requirements for Jewish sports clubs.
Many argue that the Holocaust does not justify Germany’s unwavering support for Israel, especially considering the war on Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent children, women, and men.
Germany claims that the Gaza war has contributed to a sharp rise in hate crimes against Jews in the country. Earlier this month, Germany designated the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divest, Sanction (BDS) movement as an “extremist group” and continues to furnish Israel with arms despite the staggering death toll in Gaza.
The new rules will provide new rights to non-Germans who have been living in Germany for a while. Major changes include:
- Applicants no longer have to give up their previous nationality to become German.
- Eligibility for German citizenship after five years of lawful residence, down from eight.
- Naturalization is possible after three years for those achieving “special achievements in integration,” such as excelling in school or professional life, engaging in civic life, or running for political office.
- All children born in Germany to foreign parents will acquire German citizenship if at least one parent has been living in Germany legally for more than five years and has permanent residency. The controversial ‘option regulation,’ which forced children of foreign parents to choose a nationality at the age of 18, is now abolished.
- The guest worker generation, mainly Turkish people who moved to West Germany in the 1960s, will no longer have to take a naturalization test, though they must demonstrate proficiency in oral German.
- Foreign workers who relocated to former East Germany under a comparable program will have similar provisions.
- Applicants for naturalization must prove they can earn their own living, though the guest worker generation is exempt from this requirement.
- A commitment to the democratic order outlined in the German constitution is required, excluding anyone who has committed antisemitic, racist, or other inhumane acts. Those who oppose equal rights for men and women or who live in polygamous marriages are also ineligible for a German passport.
- Newly naturalized Germans must commit to protecting Jewish life in the country, with the naturalization test questions adjusted accordingly.
Germany Makes Getting Citizenship Easier for Foreigners. Read the full story here:
Germany has introduced a landmark naturalization law, spearheaded by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centrist-left coalition, aimed at attracting more migrant workers. Despite facing criticism during a heated parliamentary debate, the law represents a significant departure from Germany’s historically stringent citizenship requirements..
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