Overview

• German lawmakers have passed legislation that eases the path to citizenship and allows for dual citizenship.
• The new law reduces the waiting period for citizenship application from eight years to five, and to three years in exceptional cases.
• Older applicants who came to Germany on guest worker programs can obtain citizenship without a written exam.
• Applicants for citizenship must undergo a criminal record check that assures they have not been accused of antisemitism.
• Opponents of the law argue that it will lessen the value of German citizenship and hinder integration.