Lawmakers in Berlin approved legislation allowing shorter waiting periods before naturalization and the possibility of dual citizenship, ushering in changes that proponents say will draw more skilled workers to the country and that opponents warn will lessen the value of German citizenship.
“Our reform is a commitment to a modern Germany,” Nancy Faeser, the country’s interior minister, said in a statement.
“We are creating a modern immigration law that does justice to our diverse society,” she added, noting that it was high time for such a change.
That waiting period can be reduced to three years for exemplary cases of integration or service to the German state.
They will also allow dual citizenship, which currently is not widely allowed.
Persons:
” Nancy Faeser
Organizations:
Bundestag
Locations:
Berlin, Germany, Germany’s