Germany Ends Fast-Track Citizenship, Limits Refugee Family Reunification

Germany's Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has introduced legislation to abolish the "express naturalization" process that allowed well-integrated migrants to obtain citizenship after just three years of residence. This policy, initially implemented by the previous government to aid integration and address labor shortages, is being repealed as part of a broader conservative effort to tighten immigration and integration rules. The new bill also restricts family reunification rights for refugees with subsidiary protection status, aiming to reduce asylum seeker numbers and combat irregular migration. Dobrindt argues that citizenship should be granted only after full integration, which he believes cannot be achieved in three years, and that the earlier fast-track naturalization created false incentives for migration. The changes reflect a shift toward stricter immigration policies under the current government, emphasizing stability and security over accelerated integration measures. The legislation is expected to be approved by the German cabinet and then presented to the Bundestag for further consideration.