Multikulti Ist Doch ’Ne Erfolgreiche Realität: Why Tolerance is Vital for German Economic Growth

Abstract

In October 2010, German politicians declared that multiculturalism in Germany was no longer viable. That controversial declaration ignited a heated debate, and Germans were forced to address the fact that national immigration policies since World War II had produced one of the largest immigrant populations in Western Europe. Indeed, despite the purported failure of multiculturalism, highly qualified immigrants from non-European Union (EU) countries may be the key to securing German economic growth amidst a global race for talent. Accordingly, this Note explores the intricacies of German and EU policies on economic immigration and integration, which are aimed at attracting these highly qualified immigrants. It argues that, although German immigration legislation targets the right population, its integration procedures may not suffice to attract and retain immigrants. Faced with an aging population, Germany should utilize EU guidelines for integration to establish concrete measures to secure a workable multicultural society.