Mother of Seven Faces Deportation Despite German Citizenship

Heilbronn - Liliya Klassen, a mother of seven children who are all German citizens, is facing the prospect of deportation from Germany. Residing in a modest farmhouse in Eberstadt, located in the Heilbronn district, Liliya and her family have built a life together, filled with love and faith. However, a recent notice from local authorities has upended their family stability.

The Klassen family has called this home for over four years, and while their living conditions are simple, their home is described as tidy and welcoming, adorned with various Christian symbols reflecting their values. The family now faces an unsettling reality as they learn that Liliya is required to leave Germany by July 31, 2025, as stated in a letter from the Heilbronn district authorities.

As a Russian German, Liliya belongs to a minority group that originated from German settlers invited to Russia during the reign of Catherine the Great in the late 18th century. This group has maintained its cultural identity for generations. The Klassen family moved to Germany from Kazakhstan in 2020 under provisions allowing Russian Germans to return to their ancestral homeland and obtain German citizenship. While her husband Heinrich and their seven children are German citizens, Liliya holds Kazakh citizenship.

What complicates the situation is that Liliya's Kazakh passport identifies her nationality as 'German' in Cyrillic script. Despite her deep roots in German culture--she speaks German as her first language, while learning Russian in kindergarten and having no familiarity with Kazakh--the local authorities argue that Liliya entered the country on a temporary visa and has not taken the necessary steps to regularize her status.

The district office has expressed that there is an 'interest in expulsion', which they claim is to prevent the visa process from being undermined. The implication is that Liliya must leave and subsequently reapply to enter Germany, a move they believe is justified given her background and her family's established life in the country.

There is a sense of urgency for the family as they grapple with the possibility of separation. Heinrich has voiced his concerns about what it would mean for their family if Liliya is forced to leave. He highlights the emotional toll this situation is taking on their children, who have known no other home but Germany.

The local authorities have been criticized for their communication, with the Klassen family reporting long wait times and difficulties in reaching officials for clarification on their situation. As the deadline approaches, uncertainty looms over what the future holds for Liliya and her family.

In a broader context, this case raises questions about immigration policies affecting those with deep ties to German heritage and the complexities faced by individuals in navigating legal systems. It also reflects a growing trend of families facing separation due to bureaucratic challenges, even when foundational ties to the country are firmly established.

As the deadline nears, the Klassen family is left to ponder their next steps and the impact this situation may have on their unity and sense of belonging in Germany.