Berlin parties present positions on migration and citizenship
Ahead of elections to the parliament of the state of Berlin in Germany, parties presented different approaches to migration, naturalization and the integration of foreigners. As The Local Germany reports, state governments have limited powers to introduce changes to migration and citizenship rules.
Positions of left-wing parties
Die Linke advocates broader rights for migrants, more accessible naturalization and equal rights for all Berlin residents regardless of their passport. The party wants to use the possibilities of state legislation to give all Berlin residents the right to vote and run for office after living in Germany for no more than five years.
Die Linke also proposes making naturalization easier, including without linking it to income and without requiring people to take what the party describes as humiliating naturalization or language tests. It also supports introducing a city ID card for Berlin residents to make it easier for undocumented people to access services.
The Greens insist on comprehensive support for refugees from the moment of arrival, including in housing, medical care, education and employment. They oppose deportations to countries where people face serious danger and propose turning Berlin's State Office for Immigration, LEA, into a “welcoming office.” The party also wants to simplify procedures for attracting qualified specialists and allow them to come with their families.
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The SPD supports expanding labor migration and faster recognition of foreign qualifications. The Social Democrats favor access for people seeking protection to integration opportunities and work, while supporting the deportation of people without the right to remain, including serious offenders. The party also plans to encourage naturalization among people with a migration background who are already eligible to apply.
Approaches of the CDU and AfD
The CDU advocates tighter control over migration and asylum, reducing irregular migration and orderly deportations, especially of offenders. The party proposes expanding language courses, speeding up the recognition of foreign diplomas and introducing a mentoring program to support immigrants. On citizenship, the CDU emphasizes that applicants must clearly demonstrate their commitment to the country and its values.
The AfD calls for a significant tightening of policy toward asylum seekers and refugees and demands the deportation of all people obliged to leave the country; the party puts the number at up to 20,000 people in Berlin. It uses the term “remigration,” which the source describes as controversial. The AfD also proposes immediately halting naturalizations and the processing of applications in Berlin while checks are carried out into what the party calls violations related to the falsification of language certificates and naturalization tests. The party wants to tighten citizenship acquisition rules and limit multiple citizenship.
