New Citizens — New Voters? Political Preferences and Voting Intentions of Naturalized Germans: A Case Study in Progress

Abstract

The third millennium witnesses the introduction of a new naturalization law in Germany. Passed by both chambers of parliament in May 1999, the law can be interpreted as a legislative change in Germany's national identity. From January 1, 2000 on, not only German ancestry but also birth on German soil will qualify for the acquisition of German citizenship. The change is remarkable, even though permanent residency of at least one parent is an additional precondition to acquire German citizenship and, in the case of dual citizenship, a final choice of one citizenship has to be made by the age of 23. The naturalization of foreigners also became easier: eight years of residency instead of the formerly required ten will enable a foreigner to become German. Still criticized by the left of the governing Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Green Party, as well as by the opposition Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS), these changes in naturalization law nevertheless are the most notable ones in twentieth century Germany.