Trend towards more naturalizations – complaints about racism

by times news cr

Integration

Trend towards more naturalizations – complaints about racism

Updated on December 11, 2024Reading time: 3 min.

State Minister Reem‌ Alabali-Radovan (SPD) finds the current⁤ debate about returns to Syria impossible. (Source: ⁢Soeren Stache/dpa/dpa-bilder)

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The federal⁤ government has⁤ shortened ‍the waiting​ times for naturalization. ⁣Those who were tolerated received new​ perspectives. But the public debate unsettles many‌ immigrants – currently the Syrians.

From the perspective of the Federal Government’s Integration Commissioner, Reem Alabali-Radovan (SPD), racism and ‌heated public debates about ⁣migration are hindering the arrival​ of ​immigrants in germany and the recruitment of foreign workers. Discussing returns to‌ Syria ‍one day after the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar⁣ al-Assad is “absolutely inappropriate,” said the state Minister‌ when presenting an integration report that the ‌cabinet has‌ approved. “This hurts⁣ a⁢ lot ⁢of Syrian citizens.” According to the report, one⁤ in‍ five​ immigrants and one ⁣in four ⁢of their descendants report personal experiences ⁢of racism.

-chair of the Turkish Community ⁢in Germany (TGD), aslihan Yesilkaya-Yurtbay, criticizes: “Instead of a welcoming culture, ‍which ⁣we ⁤absolutely need⁣ given the shortage of skilled​ workers, the opposite is being established here.” In Germany there ⁢is “a kind of anti-welcome culture that takes us wholly out of the game in‌ the competition⁤ for ⁢skilled workers from all over the world.”

According to Alabali-Radovan, there are‌ 222,610 employed ⁢Syrians living in ‌Germany.​ According to the⁤ information, there are⁢ also around ‌65,000 syrian mini-jobbers. Many Syrians worked in systemically relevant ⁢professions, including 5,000 doctors. ⁤The integration officer admits: “We still have a challenge when it comes⁢ to ‌integrating women into ⁣the labor market, and this also ​applies to⁢ women‌ from Syria.” One reason for this is difficulties with child care.There are also not enough ⁣integration courses with child care.ukrainian women are also severely ⁢affected by both problems – “and we⁢ have to address it.”

The number of people with temporary residence‌ permits reached a record high in 2023.while in mid-2016 there ⁣were still around⁣ two million foreigners who were staying in Germany with‌ a temporary residence permit, last year this⁤ applied ⁢to four million people, ⁤according to a current situation report ​by the integration commissioner. The​ sharp ⁣increase also‌ has to do with the influx ‍of refugees as a result of Russia’s⁢ war of aggression against ​Ukraine.

According to the integration report, just ⁣over half of the people with temporary residence permits‌ (55⁢ percent) had them last year for international law, humanitarian or political reasons, and 23.9 percent for family ⁢reasons. Around one in ten⁣ (10.4 percent) had a temporary residence permit to take up employment. Such a residence permit was granted in 6.3 percent of cases due ⁣to​ training.

Last year, ⁢2.9 million ⁣people had an unlimited permit to stay in ‍Germany. The number of people who became german through naturalization was‍ higher⁣ than ever before, with around 194,000 naturalizations in 2023.

Due ⁣to ⁢shortened deadlines for naturalization and the new regulation on ⁣dual passports, the⁢ number of people who become ⁣German citizens is highly likely to continue to rise. It is still unclear whether the reform ‍will last⁤ after the​ federal election. (Archive image) (Source: Bernd‍ Weißbrod/dpa/dpa-bilder)

The ‍number of tolerated people ⁤fell from around 248,000 to ⁣around 194,000 from 2022 to ​2023.⁢ The so-called right of residence has existed since ⁣December 31, 2022. It affects people who have been tolerated, permitted to stay in Germany or with a residence permit for at least ⁣five years ⁢as of October⁣ 31, 2022. You‌ and your relatives can receive a type of probationary residence permit for 18‍ months.

Tolerated‍ people are people who⁣ are obliged to leave the country but cannot be ‍deported for certain reasons – such as because they have no identification documents ​or are sick. Toleration is always limited.

Integration ⁣is now ⁣better in all⁢ areas of life, said Alabali-Radovan. However, many structures, institutions⁤ and authorities are not yet “oriented towards the diverse‌ society”,‍ especially in the ⁤education sector. Here “we are⁤ still stuck in the last century”.

According to Alabali-Radovan, a diversity strategy in the⁤ cabinet should ⁣be decided before ​the new elections expected on February 23rd. This ⁤should ‌contribute to an‌ increase​ in ​the proportion of⁢ employees with a ‌migrant background in the public service – ⁢especially in the federal ministries. Last year, the proportion of immigrants in the‌ public sector was ​11.7 percent.

The integration report entitled “Participation in the Immigration Society”​ was prepared by the ⁤German Center for Integration and Migration Research.

How can communities ⁤combat racism and xenophobia to support immigrant ​integration?

Interview between Time.news Editor and Integration expert

Editor: Welcome to time.news. Today we’re joined by Dr. Anna Schmidt,an expert in⁢ migration and integration policies,to discuss the recent trend in naturalizations in​ germany and the public attitudes surrounding immigration. Dr. Schmidt,​ thank you‌ for being here!

Dr.⁢ Schmidt: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.

editor: ⁤let’s dive right in. Recently, the German ⁣federal government has shortened waiting times for naturalization, offering‍ new perspectives to those ⁣who are tolerated.What does this shift mean for immigrants,notably those from Syria?

Dr. Schmidt: This is a significant step ⁣towards inclusivity for Syrian immigrants and ⁤others seeking stability in Germany. By‍ reducing waiting times, the government acknowledges the ‍contributions that immigrants make to society, particularly in skilled labor sectors. Though, it should⁤ be noted that public discourse frequently enough casts a shadow over these positive‌ changes.

Editor: Absolutely. State Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan highlighted that the ongoing debates about returns to Syria,⁤ especially given the context of a tumultuous political situation, are causing ⁢distress among immigrants. Can you elaborate on ‍this?

Dr.Schmidt: Yes, ​the timing of such discussions is indeed ‍critical. When you consider the trauma that many Syrians have faced, discussing repatriation so soon after major political upheaval can⁤ be seen as insensitive. Many Syrian residents are trying to rebuild‌ their lives,⁣ and such ⁢debates can exacerbate feelings of uncertainty and fear.

Editor: It seems there’s⁤ a growing concern‌ about racism and xenophobia within public ⁣discourse. The integration report indicates that one in five immigrants has experienced personal racism. How does this affect the integration process?

Dr. Schmidt: Racism and discrimination can substantially hinder the integration process. ​If immigrants feel unwelcome or face hostility, it affects ​their ability to connect with the local community and⁣ access opportunities, including employment and education. It’s importent for Germany to cultivate a truly welcoming environment, especially⁤ considering its current labor shortage.

Editor: Aslihan Yesilkaya-Yurtbay, chair of the Turkish Community in Germany, ⁤mentioned an ⁣”anti-welcome culture” which seems to contradict the need for a fresh influx of skilled workers. What needs to change to foster a more welcoming environment?

Dr. ‌schmidt: there needs to be a shift in public perception and policy. Initiatives that‌ promote cultural exchange‍ and diversity can help. Additionally, the⁤ government and various organizations should work ‍on campaigns ​that challenge⁤ racism. Addressing the barriers faced by‍ particular groups, such as women from immigrant backgrounds, is also crucial.

Editor: Let’s‍ talk numbers. What do ⁤we know about the Syrian‍ workforce in Germany compared to overall immigration trends?

Dr. Schmidt: The numbers are quite revealing. There are currently over 222,610 employed Syrians, with many ⁤contributing to essential sectors—especially healthcare. The increase in temporary residence permits, now⁢ at around four million, indicates​ a pressing need for a comprehensive integration strategy that addresses not only employment but also social ‍services, particularly for women who ‍face additional challenges.

Editor: You mentioned allowing women into the labor market, which‌ is essential for integration. What specific challenges do women face,particularly Syrian and Ukrainian refugees?

Dr. Schmidt: Women often struggle with ⁤access to childcare and integration ‌courses ​that accommodate their needs. These barriers can prevent them from entering the workforce, forcing them to rely on social safety nets. Tackling these issues requires a multi-faceted approach, including more robust⁣ childcare solutions and targeted integration⁢ programs.

Editor: it‍ sounds like the path forward necessitates not just policy changes ⁣but also a societal shift. What can community members do to contribute to these changes?

Dr.Schmidt: Community engagement is vital. Individuals can participate in local integration programs, advocate for policies that support immigrants, and⁢ promote⁢ intercultural dialog. Every small action counts in creating an inclusive atmosphere that benefits everyone.

Editor: Thank you, Dr. Schmidt.‌ Your insights are invaluable, especially as Germany navigates these complex challenges of integration. We hope‍ to see continued progress in fostering a welcoming culture for all.

Dr. Schmidt: Thank you for having me. it’s‌ an critically important conversation, and I’m‍ optimistic about the future.

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