Multiculturalism: Immigration (Einwanderung)

Understanding of Immigration (Einwanderung)

Immigration (Einwanderung) refers to the process in which individuals move to another country with the intention of residing there permanently or for an extended period.
It often involves factors like seeking better living conditions, economic opportunities or political asylum.

Immigrant Groups

Different immigrant segments in Germany includes Turkish Gastarbeiter, refugees from war-torn countries, and EU citizens moving for work or study.

Impact on German Society

Immigration has significantly shaped German society, promoting cultural diversity while also prompting debates about integration and national identity.
It is credited with rejuvenating the economy by supplying much-needed labour, but has also raised concerns about job competition and social services strain.

Integration and Multikulti

The German attitude towards immigration and multiculturalism is often discussed under the term Multikulti, short for Multikulturalismus.
Germany has strived to support integration through language courses, civic education programmes, and anti-discrimination legislation, yet challenges remain in achieving full social equality.
Despite Germany’s initial claim of being a ‘non-immigration country’ (Nicht-Einwanderungsland), it has embraced the concept of itself as an ‘immigration country’ (Einwanderungsland) in later years.

Attitudes Towards Immigrants

Public opinion on immigration is varied, influenced by factors such as demographics, political beliefs, and media representation.
While many see cultural diversity as beneficial, there is also xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment, often stoked by far-right political groups and parties like Alternative für Deutschland (AfD).

Impact of Immigration on Population

Ageing population in Germany makes immigration a significant issue. Immigrants, often younger, help to counteract the ageing demography and subsequent labour shortages.
However, it also gave rise to challenges including social integration, language barrier and tensions with cultural norms.

Role of the EU

Germany’s role in the EU has influenced its immigration policy, particularly in relation to the free movement of labour.
The German stance during the European Refugee Crisis has been significant, with Angela Merkel’s government deciding to keep its borders open for thousands of refugees in 2015.

To understand the topic of immigration, it’s vital to consider, who are the immigrants, their impact on German society, attitudes toward them, and the role of the EU in shaping immigration policy. The multifaceted issue of immigration needs to be considered within these contexts while preparing for a discussion or an informed opinion about it. Bold values relate to key terms and themes that may be emphasised in questions or discussions.