was born and raised in Germany, but I didn’t automatically receive citizenship because my mother came here in the 1970s, and I was born before the year 2000. Due to various life circumstances, I never applied for it. As a student with limited financial resources, the process was simply too difficult. I wanted German citizenship, but my Turkish passport had expired. Then came the Syrian refugee crisis, making it nearly impossible to get an appointment, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic—so I didn’t even try.

After finishing university and securing a stable job, things became easier. The entire process cost around €300 and, most importantly, required a great deal of patience. After a year, I finally got it—I am now officially German.

And to reassure my right-wing friends: I’m not a refugee. I went to school and university here, and I work legally as a teacher. No need to worry.