Russian asylum seekers

Germany Grants Record Number of Citizenships, Surge in Russian Nationals

Germany has granted a record number of citizenships in 2024, a surge fueled largely by a significant increase in the number of Russians receiving German nationality. The overall number of naturalizations reached a new high, exceeding all previous years since record-keeping began in 2000. This represents a substantial jump of nearly half, or 46%, compared to 2023’s figures. While Syrians constituted the largest single group of new citizens, the remarkable sixfold increase in Russian naturalizations stands out, highlighting a major shift in immigration patterns.

This dramatic rise in Russian citizenships, from a mere 1,995 in 2023 to 12,980 in 2024, accounts for 4% of all naturalizations last year.… Continue reading

Russian Asylum Seekers Face US Detention: From One Gulag to Another?

Since last summer, a shift in US asylum policy has led to increased detention of Russian and other post-Soviet asylum seekers, with some held for over a year, separated from families, and facing prolonged delays in court hearings. This contrasts sharply with prior practice under the Biden administration, where release pending hearings was the norm. The reasons for this change remain unclear, though speculation includes concerns about espionage and insufficient resources to process asylum claims. Several individuals have shared their experiences of prolonged detention and family separation, highlighting the difficulties faced by these asylum seekers.

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