Timelines

In the year 2000, a comprehensive reform of nationality law, implemented by the Red-Green federal government, took effect. This reform extended the traditional principle of descent (ius sanguinis) to incorporate the principle of place of birth (ius solis). Consequently, children born in Germany now automatically acquire German citizenship if at least one parent possesses a permanent residence permit. It's important to note that this reform, while a significant step, did leave out individuals born in Germany before the year 2000, as well as children in families with toleration or statelessness. Furthermore, The introduction of dual citizenship, which was also planned, was prevented by a racist campaign by the CDU in Hesse. In 2005, the Immigration Act was passed, consolidating several existing laws into one. This Act replaced the previous “Aliens Act” with the “Residence Act”. It facilitated immigration for certain groups in accordance with political and economic interests. The “EU Freedom of Movement Act” was introduced for European Union citizens. Prior to its implementation, the “Independent Commission on Immigration” put forward recommendations for a modern approach to immigration policy. However, the final legislation leaned more towards restricting immigration than expanding it.