A new study by the Ifo Institute and the University of Passau shows that obtaining German citizenship at birth appears to lower youth crime among those with a migration background. Researchers Helmut Rainer and Leander Andres report that second- and third‑generation adolescents who automatically received citizenship in 2000 are about 70 % less likely to be flagged by police as suspects compared with similar youngsters who did not have a German passport. The drop in crime seems largely driven by fewer property and drug offences.
The study draws on police criminal statistics from Baden‑Württemberg, Hessen, and Berlin. Since the 2000 reform of German nationality law, a child born in Germany to foreign parents gets citizenship at birth under the principle of jus soli, provided at least one parent has lived in the country for eight years and holds a residence permit. Prior to 2000, only children with at least one German parent could acquire citizenship at birth.
“Preventive measures such as granting citizenship at birth can shape identity formation, strengthen social trust, and improve prospects for education, employment, and political participation” said Ifo researcher Leander Andres. Other studies reveal that the introduction of birth‑right citizenship has boosted school performance for children of migrant origin. With better access to education and work opportunities, the likelihood that young people turn to crime diminishes.
