Geneva (AFP) - Swiss voters on Sunday approved a measure to make it easier for third-generation immigrants to become citizens, crushing rightwing nationalists who had stoked fears about granting nationality to more Muslims.
According to final official results, the "Yes" camp claimed 60 percent support and a victory in 19 of Switzerland's 26 cantons, meeting the two criteria needed for a win.
The government as well as most lawmakers and political parties supported the proposal.
Under it, the grandchildren of immigrants will be able to skip several steps in the lengthy process of securing a Swiss passport, although approval of their citizenship will still not be automatic.
The rightwing Swiss Peoples Party (SVP), the largest party in Switzerland's parliament, fought against the measure by putting Islam and national identity at the centre of the debate.
Reacting to the defeat, SVP lawmaker Jean-Luc Addor said his side was "alone against everyone in this campaign".
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