ImmigrationProf Goes to Germany: Evelyn’s Immigration Study Group trip to Berlin

This week I have the pleasure of participating in an educational program sponsored by the American Council on Germany to visit Berlin and learn about Germany’s immigration policy and migrant populations. I will be blogging about what I learn from my meetings with German govermental officials and other guest speakers.
If our readers want some brief background on German immigration laws I suggest reading two articles I came accross in preparing for this trip: Spenser Wolff “Uniting the Volk: A plea for thick historicizing in analsysis of citizenship laws 15 Colum J. Eur L 299 (Spring 2009) and Cem Ozdemir, Germany’s Immigration Challenge 30 Fletcher F.World Aff. 221 (Summer 2006). But even with this background and what I expect to be series of fantastic presentations, I am fully aware that this experiece will not elevate me to an expert on Germany Immigration Policy. So please read this entries in their true context-an american immigration expert’s reflections on a cultural experience.

The articles I pulled in preparation for this trip seem to indicate that Germany’s history, location, economic vitality, and culture have resulted in a modern immigration history that differs from other European countries. For instance the fact that Germany does not have the colonial legacy other european countries experienced means that Germany has not had to incorporate members from former african colonies into German Society. Most of their migrants have been turks and ethnic germans from eastern europe. Also, the European Dublin Agreements on asylum and Germany’s geographical location mean that asylum seekers who come to germany by crossing through italy or another bordering nation, can be returned to be processed for asylum there instead of Germany (think U.S./Canada agreement). Its strong economic status, especially during the present Euro mess, makes Germany attractive for those seeking a better life, but the challenge of learning the German language keeps skilled workers opting for other technological destinations. It’s experience with “walls,” “nationalism,” “persecution,” and “guest workers” which is different from the American experiece also brings an interesting perspective to establishing immigration policy.

My first day consisted of going to the German Parliment, the Interior Ministry, and trade commission. It should be an eye openig experience.

One last note, I am writing these blogs after a 10+ hour days of meetings so please forgive the poor editing– EQ