Council of States Commission does not want to relax naturalization criteria
Hurdle for red passport should remain
In 2017, the people clearly agreed to facilitated naturalization for the third generation. The hurdles are relatively high, the demand remains rather low. The National Council wanted to relax the criteria, but the responsible Council of States commission is now stepping on the brakes.
Published: 3 minutes ago
1/5
The responsible commission of the Council of States believes that third-generation foreigners shouldn’t be able to get a red passport any easier than it is today.
Ruedi StuderBundeshaus Editor
The third generation of foreigners shouldn’t get the red passport any easier than it is today. The State Political Commission of the Council of States does not want to know anything about further easing for the third generation. With eight to four votes, she recommends a rejection initiative that wants to lower the naturalization hurdles.
In contrast to the National Council, which gave the green light to a corresponding parliamentary initiative in the winter session with 117 to 73 votes. At that time, for example, GLP National Councilor Corina Gredig (35, ZH) campaigned to bring the naturalization process closer to the reality of life for the third generation and thus enable more people to get the red passport.
Although voters gave the go-ahead in 2017 for easier naturalization for the third generation of foreigners, relatively few people make use of it. Of the approximately 25,000 people affected, only around 800 use the service each year.
Today’s hurdles are relatively high
In fact, today’s hurdles also make the simplified procedure more difficult. For example, a birth in Switzerland is required, as is attendance at a compulsory school in Switzerland for at least five years.
Rather, difficulties are caused by the fact that the third generation also has to prove the residence rights and duration of residence of their parents and grandparents. In addition, they must submit the application for naturalization before the age of 25.
In the competent Council of States commission, only a minority shares this view, according to which the initiative “would solve a serious problem”, as stated in a statement.
Majority wants to wait
The majority, on the other hand, wants to wait and see, because an adjustment is not necessary at the moment. “Facilitated naturalization for the third generation was only introduced four years ago,” the commission notes. “Now we have to wait until more information is available on the development of the situation before a new revision of the civil rights law is initiated.”
The final decision is made in the spring session in the small chamber. If the Council of States says no, the proposal is definitely off the table.
Politician Arber Bullakaj: “There are construction sites in the Swiss Civil Rights Act”(01:42)