SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_citizenship
The Swiss Citizenship Law is based on the following principles:
* Triple citizenship level (Swiss Confederation, canton and community)
* Acquisition of citizenship through descent (jus sanguinis)
* Prevention of statelessness
EXCERPT:
Naturalization
The right to regular naturalization is granted not by the central government but by the cantons.
Citizenship in Switzerland may be obtained by a permanent resident who lived in Switzerland for at least 12 years (any years spent in Switzerland between the 10th and the 20th years of age count double) and lived in the country for 3 out of the last 5 years before applying for citizenship. One should be able to speak in at least one of German (preferably Swiss German), French, Italian or Romansch (depending on the community) and show the following:
integration into the Swiss way of life;
familiarity with Swiss habits, customs and
traditions;compliance with the Swiss rule of law;
no danger to Switzerland’s internal or external security.
Maybe she'll soon be performing songs in Swiss German.
When they flew back a couple of times, they'd arrive at some ungodly hour of the morning and go straight to the Denny's by the airport where you could have a huge, inexpensive breakfast served by a smiling waitress, at dawn, seven days a week--all inconceivable ideas in Switzerland. Her description of the neighbors repeatedly instructing her on the exact way the garbage was supposed to be sorted and bundled was hilarious, too.
I like the Swiss law as a blueprint for an amnesty plan in the USA. Especially the “show the following” part. :)
The Swiss, unlike our domestic rats, are dedicated to preserving their heritage.