On January 1, 2000 a new nationality law came into force in Germany. This law will help foreigners living in Germany to become German citizens. According to the new law, “At the heart of the reform is the supplementing of the traditional principle of descent (jus sanguinis) by the acquisition of nationality by birth. For children born in Germany of foreign parents, this makes it easier for them to identify with their home country of Germany. They are given the chance to grow up as Germans among Germans.” Until now citizenship was identified according to the principle of descent. From now on the only thing that matters is the place of birth, like in many other European countries.

The German government estimates around half of the foreigners living in Germany will become eligible for citizenship under the new law. All children born in Germany will now automatically receive citizenship, if at least one of their parents has lived in Germany for eight years. The children of foreign parents will be entitled to dual citizenship until they are 23, at which point they must choose. Also, a person must fulfill certain conditions – be loyal to Germany and its people, and have a good command of the German language.

Those looking to become German have to profess loyalty to Germany’s democratic system, and they cannot have a criminal record. They also have to be able to support themselves. Those who are unemployed through no fault of their own just have to prove they have been looking for work.

Another condition for receiving German citizenship is a command of German. Qualifications acquired at German schools or universities will be accepted as proof. Language qualifications from night schools or the Goethe Institute will also be accepted. An official may also decide if a candidate has a command of the German language fitting his/her age and standard of education. If the official is not satisfied, the candidate is required to take a test which will involve being able to read and understand a newspaper article.

The process of integrating foreigners is going to cost money, and the authorities are not going to pay the bill. In one Berlin office application fees have risen from around 50 dollars to around 250 dollars.

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