Factors affecting acquisition of German citisenship of Turks living in Germany

ABSTRACT This thesis aims to research the reasons for and the process of acquisition of German citizenship by Turks living in Germany. Within the framework of the convention made between Turkey and Germany in 1961, Turkish citizens started going to Germany as "guest workers" in large numbers due to the lack of labour force in Germany. Migration from Turkey to Germany has passed through various phases and consequently formed a population of 2.5 million Turkish people in the country. Both the individuals forming this group and also the German society are aware that this migration is at a point of no return. At the beginning of the 1980s, German politicians aimed to reach the desired integration level of foreigners living in Germany, into the German society by providing easier access to German citizenship. As it got easier to acquire German citizenship with the advantages of the changing laws provided at the beginning of the 1990s, Turks living in this country started to apply for the acquisition of German citizenship. In order to find an answer to the question "factors which influence decision of Turks living in Germany for acquisition of German citizenship and to make research preparations, I went to Germany in November 2003. After that I realized my field study between July 01, and September 22, 2004, especially in areas where there is a considerable Turkish population (Berlin, Hannover, Köln, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and München). I have conducted interviews with 134 people who posses the requirements that the German laws demand for the acquisition of German citizenship. At the same time I collected data through participant observation in various venues of the social life of Turks living in Germany, such as at home, marketplaces, Turkish coffeehouses, mosques and at football matches. This way I was able to observe Turkish citizens' approaches to the issue of acquisition of the German citizenship. I was mostly hosted by Turkish families, yet occasionally stayed at hotels during this time while I conducted interviews. A further research was made to find out the reasons why in some cases German citizenship has been acquired and in some others why it has not been. People who posses the right conditions that the German laws requires for the acquisition of German citizenship, were interviewed. xvuIt has been found that the reasons declared by Turks living in Germany, for acquiring German citizenship are mainly as fallows:. Freedom of travel with German Passport and its strong image. Intention of staying permanently in Germany and having no intentions for retailing to Turkey. Desire for integration with German society. Assuming acquisition of German citizenship as a counter-measure against discrimination and enhance feelings of equality vis-a-vis Germans. Need / requirement of profession On the other hand, the reasons of Turks living in Germany, but not acquiring German citizenship are mainly:. Not finding it necessary, finding sufficient to hold residence and work permits. Emotional reasons like loyalty to Turkey, patriotism and nationalism. The high costs of fees for the application procedures xvm