State Office for Immigration defends administrative practice regarding naturalizations

Berlin's naturalization practices are currently at the center of a heated political debate . After years of stagnation and backlogs, the Berlin State Office for Immigration (LEA) is reporting a significant increase in naturalizations . The switch to a digital application process, in particular, is making headlines – and generating criticism, with terms like "turbo naturalization" being used. But what is really behind these accusations? Is German citizenship being "sold off"? Or is Berlin simply more efficient than the rest of the country?

Digitalization ensures speed – and security

Berlin's Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner (CDU), strongly defended the accelerated procedure during a visit to the LEA . He argued that the accusation that Berlin was issuing passports using a fast-track procedure (see here ) was unfounded. Rather, he argued that the digitization of the process was a long overdue step to reduce the massive backlog of tens of thousands of applications . The procedures were by no means less stringent. Language skills, commitment to the values of the free and democratic basic order, and proof of integration were " very carefully examined ." The digital process enabled the efficient bundling of all relevant data—including cross-checks with the immigration authorities and the security authorities. The days of a flood of paper-based applications, in which information lay scattered in files, were over. Or, as LEA Director Engelhard Mazanke put it: "The customer can't cheat."

Critics warn of “naturalization at the push of a button”

Despite these statements, criticism from the ranks of the CDU/CSU continues. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) expressed doubts about the legal certainty of Berlin's procedures and called for stricter controls . The "specification" of target figures is particularly criticized – for example, the number of 40,000 naturalizations for 2025 is being discussed. But here, too, Berlin has responded with clarification: This number is not a politically imposed quota, but the goal of an administration that is finally reducing its years-long backlog . The fact is: In 2023, around 9,000 people were naturalized in Berlin, and in 2024, almost 22,000. For 2025, 40,000 is realistic, as more than 20,000 naturalizations were completed in the first six months alone.

Berlin as a model for other federal states?

While accusations of "squandering" citizenship are being raised at the federal level, a different picture emerges at the state level. Numerous federal states are closely monitoring the Berlin model and considering whether they could adopt the digital process. Berlin's Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) expressly invited Interior Minister Dobrindt to visit the LEA to see for herself how it works in practice. The discussion shows that digitalization in administration is long overdue, but in an emotionally charged area such as naturalization, it immediately provokes resistance. This is not about relaxing the requirements, but rather about a long-overdue modernization of processes.

Conclusion: Efficiency is not a synonym for superficiality

With its digital naturalization process, Berlin has taken an administrative step that could set a standard across Germany. The accusation that German citizenship is granted "at the push of a button" does not stand up to objective scrutiny. Rather, it is about bringing an overburdened system into the present – without neglecting the substantive quality of the naturalization examinations. However, the debate also shows that questions of immigration policy in Germany remain emotionally charged. A modern naturalization process should therefore be transparent, comprehensible, and uniformly designed across the country to counteract the impression of "squandering" – while simultaneously guaranteeing applicants' legitimate right to a speedy process.