Faster Naturalization Improves Chances of Integration for Migrants in Germany

Research shows that citizenship by birth increases educational opportunities for the children of migrants; for example, it leads to better school performance. It encourages immigrant parents to register their children in preschool. “All children born to immigrants in Germany after the country reformed its citizenship law in 2000 attended preschool. At the end of the preschool period, the children scored considerably better on their German language skills and socioemotional maturity than children who did not automatically receive citizenship,” Rainer says. 

Finally, the probability of attending a university-track secondary school also increases significantly: birthright citizenship almost halves the existing gap in enrollment rates at such secondary schools between children with and without an immigration background. This has further positive consequences for job and career opportunities for children with an immigration background, Rainer says.