German Integration

German Integration
Germany’s importation of temporary workers in the 1960’s and strict naturalization rules created tension. The turkish workers, who remained after the program, faced integration obstacles. The naturalization rules denied children of undocumented immigrants citizenship and therefore the kids grew up feeling like theri own place of birth did not want them. Two things helped Germany with the tension. The naturalization and derivative citizenship rules were relaxed and many undocumented residents in Germany were legalized when the EU was formed. Akso all the italian, greek, and Spanish workers who lacked immigration status were thereafter eligible for residence in Germany. But even though irregular immigration (their term for undocumented immigration) in Germany is very low and total immigrant population is about 16 million (including first and second generation), integration of immigrants is a challenge. The presindent, the prime minister, foundations, and several political parties, are spending resources thinking through how to incorporate immigrants into German society and how to promote tolerance of differences–a very tall order for most coutries. I will talk about some of those programs in my next entry. EQ