Germany Ends Fast Track Citizenship

Germany is tightening its migration policy — the essence of the reform

Germany is taking a major step away from a liberal migration model towards a more restrictive policy. In an effort to combine the right to immigrate with the priorities of security and economic stability, the government is satisfying society's demand for control and order in this sensitive area. At the end of April 2025, the new German government, formed following coalition negotiations between the CDU/CSU bloc and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), announced a radical revision of migration policy.

• Cancellation of «turbo citizenship» and return to a 5-year period — let us recall that since June 2024, foreigners who had lived in Germany for only 3 years could apply for a German passport, provided they had a high level of integration. To do this, they had to confirm their proficiency in German at level C1, demonstrate significant professional, educational or social achievements, and prove their integration into German society. The reform was harshly criticized by conservatives, who considered it too liberal. And now, according to the coalition agreement, accelerated naturalization is completely abolished. The basic period for applying for citizenship will again be 5 years of legal and continuous residence in Germany. The requirements for proficiency in German have been reduced to level B1.
• Family reunification is prohibited, the admission of refugees is suspended — the second significant change was a temporary ban on family reunification for migrants for a period of 2 years. In addition, all state programs for the voluntary admission of refugees are suspended for an indefinite period. The tightening will also affect the asylum procedure. Physical control at the borders is being strengthened — border guards will be able to turn back entrants, even if they have applied for protection. The list of «safe countries» to which asylum seekers can be deported is being expanded — it will now include countries such as Afghanistan and Syria, deportation to which was previously considered impossible for humanitarian reasons.
• The new government intends to pay special attention to combating illegal migration through large-scale repatriation programs. According to representatives of the ruling coalition, the number of migrants in Germany without legal grounds has increased significantly in recent years, which requires decisive measures.

Reform motives: stability, security, order

The government explains the sharp turnaround in the migration course by the need to stabilize the country's economy and strengthen control over immigration flows. Friedrich Merz, the leader of the CDU and a likely future chancellor of Germany, emphasized that the goal of the changes is «to significantly reduce illegal migration through strict border control and large-scale repatriation programs.» In turn, SPD co-chairman Lars Klingbeil assured that the fundamental right to asylum and Germany's status as a country of immigration will remain unshakable. «Our task is not to close the doors, but to streamline migration, make it transparent and manageable,» he noted.

Apparently, the key motive for the reforms was the desire to reduce public discontent with the influx of migrants and at the same time demonstrate to voters the government's ability to control the situation. In recent years, the topic of migration has been one of the most pressing in German politics, leading to the growth of the popularity of right-wing populists. It is likely that the new coalition hopes to intercept this agenda and thereby strengthen its political position. Further tightening of the rules is quite possible. The coalition agreement already outlines plans to allow the deprivation of citizenship for particularly serious crimes, such as supporting terrorism, as well as simplifying the deportation of persons posing a threat to democracy. If these measures are implemented, acquiring and maintaining a German passport will become an even more difficult task. However, it is unlikely that the country will completely abandon the attraction of migrants. The German labor market still needs an influx of workers, especially in such areas as IT, healthcare, engineering. And many Germans realize that without immigrants, the country will rapidly age and lose dynamism. Most likely, the emphasis will shift to the targeted recruitment of highly qualified specialists from abroad while simultaneously limiting the flow of unskilled labor and refugees.

Lessons for other countries

Germany's experience shows how thin the line can be between openness and security, humanism and pragmatism in migration policy. In an effort to build an inclusive society, one cannot ignore the risks associated with uncontrolled migration — from social tensions to the threat of terrorism. At the same time, excessive tightening of the screws can undermine the economy, impoverish the culture, and provoke a split between the «native» population and migrant communities. Finding a balance between extremes is a difficult task, which each country will solve in its own way, based on its needs, values, and political realities.

Thus, migration reforms in Germany have become a response to the complex challenge of our time. As one of the main centers of attraction for migrants in Europe, the country cannot afford to completely close its borders or let in everyone who wants to. It will have to continue to balance between the imperatives of humanity and pragmatism, liberalism and state interests. It is obvious that the innovations will primarily hit those categories of migrants who could count on accelerated citizenship. First of all, these are highly qualified specialists, scientists, and cultural figures who have successfully integrated into German society. Now they will have to wait longer for the coveted passport, confirming their loyalty to Germany. The ban on family reunification, increased requirements for asylum seekers, and the expansion of the practice of deportations will complicate the lives of those fleeing wars and persecution. Human rights activists have already expressed concern that Germany is moving away from the principles of humanism on which its migration policy has long been based. At the same time, a certain part of German society, dissatisfied with the influx of foreigners, will probably welcome the reforms. This is especially true for the tightening of the fight against illegal immigrants and strengthening of border control — measures that have long been demanded by right-wing politicians.