Germany's Dual Citizenship Debate Sparks Fears of Discrimination
- Human Rights Research Center
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
Author: Aamnah Fatima Khan
April 8, 2025
HRRC condemns Germany’s proposed citizenship revocation law as discriminatory and a threat to democratic freedoms. Targeting dual nationals based on vague labels undermines equality, legal certainty, and human rights.
![[Image credit: Wolfgang M. Weber/IMAGO via Deutsche Welle]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e28a6b_c05d9b2bc203430f986f578558f0d9c3~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_77,h_43,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/e28a6b_c05d9b2bc203430f986f578558f0d9c3~mv2.png)
Germany's Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) parties have proposed amendments to the country's Nationality Law that would allow dual nationals who are considered "supporters of terrorism, antisemites, or extremists" to have their citizenship revoked. This article, which is now being negotiated in partnership with the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), has received extensive criticism for its lack of precise definitions and safeguards, raising worries about arbitrary application and potential human rights violations.
The proposal comes amid rising political tensions and fears over antisemitism, particularly in light of pro-Palestine solidarity rallies and Germany's restricted position on them. Critics believe that the new legislation would repress political criticism, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine issue, and would disproportionately punish persons of Arab or Muslim descent.
All opponents of the amendment, including SPD members, academics, and civil rights organizations, worry that it might result in a two-tier citizenship system. Bremen Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte (SPD) stated that the action risks sending a message to five million dual nationals that they are less German.
Germany's constitution prohibits removing citizenship unless in extreme circumstances, such as joining a terrorist organization, and only if the individual possesses another nationality. Critics also recall how Nazis used citizenship revocation to punish minorities and dissenters.
While SPD negotiators have attempted to maintain dual citizenship rights, their opposition to the CDU/CSU plan looks to be weakening. Legal experts say that the idea may not pass through constitutional review, but the confusion remains disturbing for many dual nationals. Germany's coalition discussions are under increasing scrutiny from rights campaigners and communities concerned about exclusion under an ambiguous and controversial law.
Glossary
Ambiguous – Unclear or open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning.
Amendments – Official changes or additions made to laws or legal documents.
Antisemitic – Showing hostility, prejudice, or discrimination against Jewish people.
Constitution – A system of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or organization is governed.
Discriminatory –the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of ethnicity, age, sex, or disability
Disproportionally – To an extent that is too large or too small in comparison to something else.
Dissenters – People who disagree with or oppose official or commonly held opinions or policies.
Extensive – Covering a large area or scope; far-reaching.
Legislation – Laws that have been enacted or the process of making or enacting laws.
Nazis – Members of the National Socialist German Workers' Party, led by Adolf Hitler, responsible for the dictatorship in Germany from 1933 to 1945 and the Holocaust.
Precise – Clearly expressed or sharply defined; exact and accurate.
Prohibits – Formally forbids something by law, rule, or authority.
Proposed – Suggested or put forward for consideration or discussion.
Revocation – The official cancellation or withdrawal of a law, right, or agreement.
Scrutiny – Close, careful, and detailed examination or inspection.
Solidarity – Unity or mutual support within a group, especially in challenging situations.
Two-tier citizenship system – A system where citizens are treated unequally based on different statuses, often dividing them into two classes with different rights or privileges.
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