National Integration Plan
Two integration summits were held in Germany at the invitation of the Federal Chancellor in 2006 and 2007. One outcome was the National Integration Plan, which was presented in July 2007. Its approach involves some 400 individual measures aimed at creating new opportunities for the integration of immigrants. Contributions to the integration plan have not only come from politics at the federal, state and municipal level, but also from institutions in the fields of science, the media, culture, business, sport, unions and religious communities – as well as migrants’ organizations themselves.
Important plans include expanding integration courses to assist in learning the German language, supporting children and young people through a network of educational mentors and improving training and study opportunities for young immigrants. The Länder have pledged to strengthen the support for German language learning in kindergartens and to recruit more immigrants as youth workers and teachers. Migrants’ organizations will be encouraging parental involvement in children’s education and industry has promised to create 10,000 additional apprenticeships. The media aim to involve more journalists and actors of foreign origin and sports clubs are targeting advertising for new members on migrant families. It is planned to present an interim report on the implementation of the integration plan by the end of 2008.
Naturalization in Germany
German nationality law was fundamentally reformed in the year 2000. Since then the so-called “descent principle” has been supplemented by elements of the “birthplace principle”. That means that children of foreign parents who are born in Germany automatically receive German citizenship as well as the citizenship of their parents. One precondition, among others, is that at the time of birth at least one parent has been legally resident in Germany for eight years or has held an unlimited residence permit for three years. At the same time, the birthplace rule was linked with an obligation to choose: young people with two passports must decide on their citizenship before reaching the age of 23.
Immigrants who are permanently resident in Germany have the option of acquiring German citizenship. They must pass a language test and take part in citizenship courses. Since 1 September 2008 anyone wishing to become a German citizen who does not have German school qualification must also complete a citizenship test. Applicants must correctly answer 17 out of 33 questions on the subjects of Life in Democracy, History and Responsibility, and People and Society in the multiple-choice test. It is possible to prepare for the test in special citizenship classes.
