Debate about naturalization: future with an Islamic majority in Germany?

Debate about naturalization: future with an Islamic majority in Germany?

The debate about naturalization and integration in Germany has gained increasing momentum in recent years. A central theme is the forecast that an Islamic majority in Germany could be possible by 2050. This thesis, put forward by Philipp Peyman Engel, editor-in-chief of the Jüdische Allgemeine, raises questions about the sense of security and the future of integration. Current figures show that an all-time high of 291,955 naturalizations was reached in 2024, representing an increase of 46% compared to the previous year. What is particularly striking is that 28% of these naturalizations went to Syrian nationals, highlighting the ongoing challenges related to flight and migration.

With the reform of nationality law, which came into force on June 27, 2024, the naturalization process was further modernized. In the future, naturalization will be possible after five years of residence in Germany. In the case of special integration services, the option to become naturalized after just three years was eliminated. This means that every person who wants to acquire German citizenship must now live in Germany for at least five years, regardless of individual integration achievements.

Reform of nationality law

The new regulation clearly emphasizes that naturalization requires a long-term bond with Germany, which should be expressed linguistically, socially, economically and culturally. Conditions include: sufficient knowledge of German and the ability to independently secure one's livelihood. Chancellor Merz explained that a common horizon of values ​​and a common language were crucial for integration. These aspects are also likely to prove central in the context of the discussion about Islamism and its effects on society.

In this context, the danger posed by political Islam becomes clear, which in its extreme form places religious commandments above the fundamental rights of the Federal Republic. The associated risks are diverse, such as the creation of parallel societies, anti-Semitism, pressure on women and girls and hostility towards homosexuals. In addition, teachers, authorities and the media are put under pressure. Therefore, the demand for a defensive leadership culture and transparent financing of foreign influence networks is particularly important in order to address these challenges.

Integration as a process

The discussion about naturalization and the associated responsibility for integration is closely linked to the question of German identity. Statistics show that 52.4% of people with a migrant background in Germany now have German citizenship. Nevertheless, many people experience in everyday life that their Germanness is questioned. This leads to a decreasing importance of ancestry as a criterion for being German. A change in thinking is evident, in which criteria such as the ability to speak German and have a nationality are becoming more important.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the political decisions and social debates surrounding naturalization and integration not only address the current challenges, but will also shape Germany's future direction in an increasingly diverse society. The warnings about the need for clear action by the state and society are therefore more relevant than ever.