If you want German citizenship, you must meet several basic requirements. One of them is that applicants are committed to the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany. For Matthias Regenbrecht, who is responsible for naturalizations in the Tübingen district office, the values that the Basic Law defines as Germany’s constitution are “an essential moment.” He gives examples of human dignity, protection of marriage and family, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, freedom of travel “and more.” Regenbrecht makes it clear why he examines this basic requirement particularly carefully: “The people who want to be naturalized often come from completely different countries.” They must be clear about what they are getting themselves into. For example, if someone said, “I want to keep my wife under me and hit her when I want”, he would be against one of the norms of the Basic Law. In such a case Regenbrecht would reject the application for naturalization and say: “No, I’m sorry, that contradicts itself.” Regenbrecht also takes notice when he learns that someone has previously violated the principles of the Basic Law abroad. “I cannot be against violence and, on the other hand, support things that go against that.” Has someone, for example, who opposed democracy in his country of origin, changed? If you want to be naturalized, you must read and sign a declaration of confession and loyalty to the Basic Law and its principles in front of Regenbrecht.
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Foto: tünews INTERNATIONAL; Mostafa Elyasian, 30.06.2020
