Families feel affirmed by chancellor's solidarity visit, but want 'a sign of life from them,' with several elderly and ill

New laws passed in Germany and Austria regarding the victims of the Nazi persecution simplifies the threshold conditions for obtaining citizenship and passports of these countries.

Applications went up by 13%, mission says; similar rise seen in other European Union countries, according to attorneys who handle paperwork

Legislation approved by Bundestag also bars anyone convicted of an antisemitic or bigoted act from receiving German citizenship

Measure helps close legal loopholes that caused rejection of many applications; German Jewish group calls move a 'gesture of decency'

Top court in Germany says authorities were wrong to reject US woman's request to become a German citizen via Jewish dad on grounds she was born out of wedlock

Changes close loopholes that previously shut out some claimants; second, third, fourth and in some cases fifth generation descendants can apply, says interior ministry