Legislators from the center-right political groups, Union, are planning a reform of immigration law by the autumn, with a key element being the removal of a provision introduced by the current governing coalition that allows for naturalization after just three years.
According to statements to “Bild”, Thomas Silberhorn, CSU Member of Parliament and a specialist in interior affairs, indicated that the Bundestag (German Parliament) is expected to conclude the process of ending this accelerated naturalization timeframe by the fall. He emphasized the importance of rigorous review for each individual citizenship application.
Silberhorn also voiced concerns regarding the Berlin State Office for Immigration and Refugees (LEA), which aims to double the number of naturalizations this year to 40,000. He characterized this specific target as a “significant miscalculation” adding that attempts to expedite naturalization procedures in Berlin undermine current legislation and are unacceptable.
CDU/CSU parliamentary group spokesperson for interior affairs, Alexander Throm, echoed this sentiment. He affirmed that the conferral of German citizenship is a highly significant administrative act, bestowed permanently and not subject to revocation. Therefore, he stressed the necessity for thoroughness and careful examination during the application process.
Hessen’s Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU) similarly advocated for a change in approach to immigration, specifically regarding naturalization. He criticized the previous government’s perceived lack of stringency in awarding citizenship and asserted that a shift is necessary. Poseck highlighted the sensitive nature of the process and its importance for national interests, suggesting that naturalization should occur only at the culmination of a successful integration journey.
The push for reform comes as part of a pre-existing agreement between Union and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), stipulated within their coalition agreement, to end the three-year naturalization provision during the current legislative period.