German passport revoked shortly after Naturalization
According to consistent media reports, the Berlin Immigration Office (LEA) has revoked the Naturalization of a man from Syria. As reported by Bild, among others, the man came to Germany at pre-school age, grew up in Berlin and was granted German citizenship a few weeks ago.
Just one day after receiving his naturalization certificate, he posted a picture on Instagram showing two armed members of the terrorist militia Hamas. The caption read "Heros of Palestine" - supplemented by a green heart emoji.
As both Hamas and its armed structures are classified as terrorist organizations in Germany, the contribution was reported and forwarded to the LEA.
Why the authority assumes deception
According to dpa, the LEA then initiated proceedings to revoke the Naturalization. The reason lies in the declaration of loyalty that every naturalization applicant must sign. As part of his application, the man had confirmed in writing that he respects the free democratic basic order.
However, publicly supporting an organization classified as terrorist is contrary to this declaration. The LEA should therefore assume that the man made false or misleading statements in the naturalization procedure. This means that he has not fulfilled a central part of the naturalization requirements.
Commitment to loyalty to the constitution obligatory
Since June 2024, additional requirements for Naturalization have applied in Germany. In addition to the known requirements - such as at least five years of legal residence, language skills at B1 level or a Residence permit approved for Naturalization - a commitment to loyalty to the constitution is required.
Applicants must confirm in writing that they:
- recognize the free and democratic basic order,
- respect Israel's right to exist,
- reject any form of anti-Semitism and
- support the protection of Jewish life.
Anyone who deliberately makes a false declaration or publicly violates it after Naturalization risks having their citizenship revoked. In the Berlin case, this is exactly what the LEA assumes.
Reactions from the world of politics
Berlin's governing mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) praised the state office's approach. He wrote on Platform X that a commitment to the free and democratic basic order was "not a formality", but a prerequisite for any Naturalization. Anyone who deceives here must expect consequences.
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) also welcomed the action. He said that a supporter of a terrorist organization could not share German values. In similar cases - especially in the case of dual nationals - consistent action must be taken.
When can Naturalization be withdrawn?
The case raises the question of when Naturalization that has already taken place may be reversed. In principle, there is strong protection against denaturalization in Germany: German citizenship may not be arbitrarily revoked in accordance with Article 16 (1) of the Basic Law (GG).
However, the law allows the withdrawal if the Naturalization was obtained illegally. The basis for this is § 35 StAG. Naturalization can be revoked if
- fraudulent misrepresentation,
- threats or bribery, or
- intentionally incorrect or incomplete information
were decisive for Naturalization .
Withdrawal is possible up to ten years after receiving citizenship. It has retroactive effect - the person is therefore deemed never to have been naturalized. Even a possible statelessness does not prevent the revocation according to § 35 StAG. However, there are special protection regulations for naturalized children.
Other reasons for loss of German citizenship
In addition to redemption, there are other - rare - constellations:
Waiver (§ 26 StAG)
Anyone who has another nationality can renounce their German nationality at their own request. This renunciation is only possible if the person does not become stateless as a result. For many people, this is the case, for example, if another country to which they wish to be naturalized does not allow dual citizenship.
Service in foreign armed forces (§ 28 StAG)
Another reason for loss concerns security-related cases. Dual nationals can lose their German citizenship if they voluntarily join the armed forces of their other country of origin - and this happens without the consent of German authorities.
Participation in hostilities of terrorist groups (§ 28 StAG)
A further rule applies to participation in hostilities by terrorist organizations abroad. Anyone who, as an adult dual national, demonstrably takes part in such hostilities can also automatically lose their German citizenship.
Conclusion
The Berlin case shows that the rules on constitutional compliance in Naturalization are not just symbolic, but are actively enforced by the authorities. Citizenship is a strongly protected right, but it presupposes that applicants share and respect the fundamental values of the democratic constitutional state.
Anyone who makes false statements during the Naturalization process or publicly expresses positions that clearly contradict these basic values shortly after receiving a German passport must expect to have their Naturalization revoked.
