City of Jena welcomes new citizens

The city of Jena welcomed new citizens at a ceremony today. 203 people who were naturalized between 1 September 2023 and 30 April 2024 were invited to the event in the Rathausdiele. Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche gave them a warm welcome, while pupils from the Jena Music and Art School provided a variety of musical contributions.

Almost two thirds of the naturalized citizens originally come from Syria, many also from Iraq. Most of them came to Germany as refugees around seven or eight years ago. "They are now well integrated and have decided to stay here permanently by accepting German citizenship," says Nitzsche. Other naturalized citizens come from a total of 30 different countries on four continents, and nine people were stateless.

Number of naturalizations has risen continuously

While around 30 people were naturalized in Jena every year until 2010, eight to ten years ago it was already around 50. Since 2018, the number has been over 70. Last year, around 200 people were naturalized, this year it is estimated to be over 300 in total. "And there will be many more in the coming years," said the Lord Mayor. Germany is undergoing a significant change in this respect, not least due to the amended citizenship law that has been in force since this year. "We need this change, the influx of people, because the basis of Germany's economic strength - despite digitalization and automation - will always remain people," said Nitzsche.

This is particularly clear in Jena, an economically strong city. "By the end of the decade, around a third of the workforce will retire, but only a third of them can be replaced by young people who come from here," said the Lord Mayor. "If we, German society, invite people to come here, then they will only come if we offer them the opportunity to become a full part of our society in the foreseeable future - with all democratic, civic rights and obligations."

Recognition for effort, patience and perseverance

Flight, work or perhaps a relationship with a loved one - every naturalization is associated with very personal motivations, developments, fates and profound changes for each individual, said Nitzsche. In addition to several years of residence, usually at least eight years, the prerequisites for obtaining German citizenship are sufficient knowledge of German, a successfully passed naturalization test on the German legal and social order, a commitment to the German Basic Law and securing a livelihood without social welfare and unemployment benefits. "I would like to express my great appreciation for your effort, patience and perseverance, but also for your courage," said Nitzsche. "May you find a home here - if you haven't already."

However, the Lord Mayor also emphasized that migration, especially of people fleeing to Europe and Germany, is currently an issue that concerns many people, politicians and the media. Even if migration and asylum policy should not be the topic of the naturalization ceremony, Nitzsche made it clear: "Germany must continue to grant asylum to people who need it, because otherwise there is a risk to life and limb." And he added that it is important that people who are accepted here and stay longer are given the prospect of becoming a permanent part of our society.

Naturalization is often a long and arduous process

The naturalization process is "often lengthy and laborious for everyone involved", emphasized Nitzsche - both for those who want to be naturalized and for the employees who have to clarify and check the requirements based on the strict laws. "I would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank the employees of the Naturalization Office, Head Simone Rost and her team for their hard work."

The Lord Mayor expressed the hope that the naturalized citizens have had predominantly positive experiences so far and will continue to do so. "But I also know that you have not been welcomed with open arms everywhere, that there is rejection and discrimination due to being different, due to skin color, language or religion," said Nitzsche. The city society wants to continue to stand up against this - among other things through its commitment to the "Weltoffenes Thüringen" alliance. Jena is a cosmopolitan city and is happy to welcome people from other cultural backgrounds who want to live here and get involved, said the Lord Mayor to the naturalized citizens. "I hope that your good experiences will in turn make you ambassadors to the outside world, promoting Jena beyond the city limits."