New German Law Eases Citizenship
BERLIN — Three government officials came bearing gifts for an infant chosen as the symbol of a new law granting automatic citizenship to German-born children of foreign parents.
The girl, born to Turkish parents three hours into 2000, received a teddy bear, a pacifier and a copy of the German Constitution. But to Mesut and Saliha Kurt, the real gift was their child’s right to claim German citizenship under the law that took effect at midnight.
“I think it’s super,” said Mesut Kurt, 21, who was born in Berlin. “I know how hard it is to live as a foreigner in Germany.”
The officials expressed hope that children born under the new law will more easily integrate into society.
The law also makes it easier for foreigners to become citizens by reducing the required residency from 15 to eight years.
Unlike her father, Baby Kurt won’t have to apply to become a German. She will, however, have to choose at age 23 whether to retain her German or Turkish passport.
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