German Immigration Reform

Turks remain a separate and unequal population in Germany, according to the Turkish Union of Berlin. About 2.5 million Turks or people of Turkish descent live in Germany. While the country has not been beset by the riots France has experienced among its frustrated immigrant communities, Germany is grappling with questions that echo the debate in Wahington over immigration reform: How can millions of foreigners be brought in as a cheap workforce without becoming a resentful underclass? Should immigrants mold themselves to the dominant culture, or should the country adopt a lenient multiculturalism?

Unemployment among Turks is estimated at 25%, more than twice the national average of 11 percent, and in Berlin it reaches 42%. About 30% of Turkish stduents drop out of high school. Anger among Turks is rising, although most observers don’t think a France-style explosion is likely.

The isues are heavily covered in the nation’s media and have led to a publish backlash. Angela Merkel, the conservative Christian Democrat leader completed a deal with Social Democrats to become Germany’s next chancellor. She rode a wave of anti-Turksih public sentiment by promising a tougher stance toward immigrants and by pledging to block Turkey’s bid to join the European Union. A ne immigration law took effect in January that broadened Germany’s welcome for asylum seekers and made government-funded German-language and civics courses obligatory for newcomers, but kept tight limits on new immigration. The new law allows the government to deport foreigners for security reasons.
Source: SF Chronicle, Nov. 13, 2005
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