Germany struggles to adapt to immigrant influx

Net migration to Germany is at a 20 year high. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) describes the trends as a boom. In 2012, 400,000 so-called 'permanent migrants' arrived in Germany. In total 1.08m people immigrated to Germany in 2012.

Germany formally defines itself as an 'immigration country' following the adoption of a new law in 2005.

Many are coming from other EU Member States in the east and south. They are welcomed - by the government at least - because Germany has a significant skills gap, and a low birth rate.

However, there are concerns also about both the numbers and the alleged abuse of the welfare system.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: UK exit better than restricting free movement, says German Chancellor http://www.europeansources.info/record/uk-exit-better-than-restricting-free-movement-says-german-chancellor/

ESO: Background information: German state leader calls for strict border controls / Germany increases aid for Middle Eastern refugees http://www.europeansources.info/record/german-state-leader-calls-for-strict-border-controls-germany-increases-aid-for-middle-eastern-refugees/

ESO: Background information: Germany proposes measures against benefit abuse by EU citizens http://www.europeansources.info/record/germany-proposes-measures-against-benefit-abuse-by-eu-citizens/

Wikipedia: Immigration to Germany http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration_to_Germany

BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees): Migration to Germany http://www.bamf.de/EN/Migration/migration-node.html

Deutsche Welle, 15.01.14: Immigration to Germany at its highest rate in nearly two decades http://dw.de/p/1Ar1g

Deutsche Welle, 01.12.14: OECD: Asylum-seekers and migrants increasing in Germany http://dw.de/p/1DxbX

EurActiv, 08.12.14: Merkel coalition partners want immigrants to speak German at home http://www.euractiv.com/sections/languages-culture/bavaria-want-immigrants-speak-german-home-310637

Deutsche Welle, 07.12.14: Merkel's Bavarian ally wants migrants to speak German at home http://dw.de/p/1E0Vr

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