Language exams potentially fraudulent; alleged forgers on trial.

Alter the method: Modify the technique: Rework the approach: Change the system: Rephrase the protocol: Adjust the strategy: Rearrange the methodology: Transform the workflow: Revamp the process: - Language exams potentially fraudulent; alleged forgers on trial.

When traveling to a German pass, individuals must undergo integration and language exams. There are two hurdles, with the second one being more challenging. This might push some to cheat, and in the coming weeks, the Stuttgart Regional Court will handle over 200 such cases.

According to prosecutors, two brothers from Kosovo forged almost all the papers their customers submitted to the authorities. These forgeries involved permits for forklifts, residence permits, and allegedly passed language exams. The photocopied documents were given either in a local in Backnang, through a language school in Ellwangen, or via mail. The customers then submitted these forged papers, hoping to gain residence permits or naturalization.

The brothers, aged 37 and 31, are currently on trial. The accused men, a turner and a scaffolder, aren't just facing document forgery charges, but also smuggling foreigners. Each client paid up to 2,300 euros for each forged document. The brothers reportedly earned around 880,000 euros from this scheme.

While the two men have been charged, investigations are being conducted on those involved at the language school. The third brother is said to have escaped allegations.

The prosecutor read from the indictment, stating, "The forged documents provided the opportunity for the recipients to gain residency, become naturalized, or take on higher-skilled, more lucrative employment." Some of the so-called language schools, however, didn't even exist.

The accused men are not only accused of forging documents but also smuggling foreigners.

Cases of this nature do sometimes occur, with attempts to send people with proficient German language skills to the compulsory language tests for naturalization. Language schools have several times been implicated in helping immigrants cheat on these tests, or turning a blind eye due to deception. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) hasn't yet made a statement regarding how it plans to address potentially forged documents, possibly leading to rejected residence permits.

Since 2008, every immigrant must take a language test to get a German passport. In addition, a uniform naturalization exam needs to be passed, which includes over 30 questions about German history and the political system. Applicants are expected to possess a good understanding of German language and culture to communicate with others, work, and interact with German authorities.

The Statistical Office of Baden-Württemberg revealed that in the last year, 22,745 foreign nationals became German citizens. That's an increase of 8.5% from the previous year and the highest number since 2002. Syrians received German citizenship most often, and naturalizations of Iraqi and Afghan citizens saw an upward trend. This was due to the high influx of migrants from these countries in recent years.

Read also:

1. Despite the potential for fraud in language exams, individuals seeking a German passport must undergo integration and language tests.
2. The Stuttgart Regional Court will handle over 200 cases of alleged document forgery related to these exams in the coming weeks.
3. Two brothers from Kosovo, aged 37 and 31, are currently on trial for allegedly forging documents, including language test certificates and residence permits.
4. The brothers operated out of a language school in Ellwangen and a local in Backnang, providing forged documents to customers in exchange for up to 2,300 euros each.
5. The Baden-Württemberg Public Prosecutor's Office is also investigating those involved at the language school, with the third brother reportedly avoiding allegations.
6. The accused men are not just facing document forgery charges but also smuggling foreigners, as some of the customers used the forged papers to gain residence permits or naturalization.
7. In recent years, there have been several instances of language schools helping immigrants cheat on naturalization tests or turn a blind eye to deception, potentially leading to rejected residence permits.

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