Germany: Integrating Immigrants

Producer

Germany: Integrating Immigrants

EXHIBITION TRAILER www.germany.info/ IntegratingImmigrants

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

“It has taken Germany a long time to see itself as a country built on immigration.”

AYDAN ÖZOĞUZ > MINISTER OF STATE IN THE CHANCELLERY AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONER FOR MIGRATION, REFUGEES AND INTEGRATION

Photos: Bundesregierung/Steins

“

For me as Integration Commissioner of the Federal Government, the most important goal is to give all people – irrespective of their origin, whether they are refugees or immigrants – a fair chance to participate in society. This means integrating refugees early on – many are motivated, eager to learn and work.

"I am happy that representatives of all religious communities got together again at my reception on the occasion of Ramadan in 2016. The Ramadan receptions are also an important opportunity to show that being Muslim and being German are not incompatible but represent a new normality in Germany."

„

AYDAN ÖZOĞUZ was born in Hamburg in 1967 to Turkish parents. She studied English and literature in Hamburg, obtained German citizenship in 1989, got married and has one daughter. She has served as a member of the German Bundestag since 2009 and was the first Muslim to become a member of the Federal Cabinet in 2013. She is the Commissioner of the Federal Government for Migration, Refugees and Integration.

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

Mohamad fits in with us D A M A H O M H A L L U ABD OTIVE

M O T U A S A E E N A I > TRAIN C I N H C E T S C I N O R T A H C E M

“ „ Vocational training is very important. First, I get to know people.

Second, I learn the German language very well. And third, I have a job.

ABDULLAH MOHAMAD was 19 years old when he left his hometown of Afrin in Northern Syria to avoid military service. His journey led him to Turkey, Greece and – with the help of traffickers – to Italy by boat. After his arrival in Germany, Mohamad spent the first few months in various refugee homes and received training in a car repair shop in GarmischPartenkirchen, an Alpine town south of Munich.

"It touches you when you see what people endure on their way to Europe.

From the very first moment, my gut feeling told me: Mohamad fits in with us."

Stefan Maier, manager "Auto Maier" company

Photos: Bundesregierung/Darius Ramazani

Y C N E G A T N E M Y O L P M E E H T Y B SUPPORT

, d a m a h o M d e ir h y n a p m o c r” ie a M When the “Auto ry to c u d o tr in d e ll a -c o s e th m o fr d it benefite g n u o y ll a r fo m ra g ro p t n e m rn e v o g qualification, a e th t a th s e id v ro p h ic h w y n a rm e people in G p u – e g a w e th f o rt a p s y a p y c n e g Employment A r. a e y t rs fi e th g n ri u d – th n o m r to approx. $220 pe

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

From refugee to successful businesswoman EMITIS POHL

“

> AUTHOR AND OWNER OF THE ADVERTISING AGENCY EP COMMUNICATION

o n s i n o i t a r g e t In t u b , s e s o r f o d be e k i l n U ! e l b a v e i h ac n o d i a d n a b a g puttin e r e h t e e n k d e n a skin r o f x fi k c i u q o n is n o i t a r g e t n I . n integratio s e m i t e m o s , t l u c is diffi d n a g n i k a t s n i pa . g n i y o n n a s e m i t some 's t i , s s e l e h t e n o N a must.

„

EMITIS POHL fled Iran when she was 13 years old and arrived in Germany alone. She spent her youth in Hamburg, where she studied marketing communication and launched her own advertising agency in 2007. In 2016, she stimulated the debate about integration in Germany with her controversial book.

Being German for Beginners - Integration is my Obligation

Photos: Parham Farajollahi, Peter Boettcher

JOB ENGINE FOR GERMANY People with a migration background boost the German economy. Between 2005 and 2014, the number of selfemployed entrepreneurs with foreign roots increased by 25 % to 709,000. During that time, the number of jobs they created rose from 947,000 to 1.3 million.

e v a h I ; lf e s y m t n ra ig m im n a s a y "I have come to German m o fr t c e xp e o ls a I , re fo re e Th . s xe invested a lot and pay my ta ry e v e g in m o c ll ti s re a d n a e m r e ft a e all those who have com ." rt o ff e f o d in k e m a s e th e k a m y e day that th

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

“Between Ghetto and 'Teutons'” ABDELKARIM was born in Bielefeld in 1981 to Moroccan parents. He studied law in Bochum and has been a cabaret artist since 2007. His stage programs "Between Ghetto and Teutons" and "State Friend No. 1" deal with his own experience in the “Bielefeld Bronx”, as well as with current and socio-political topics like integration and terrorism.

ABDELKARIM > COMEDIAN AND PRESENTER

“

t a th d e iz s a h p m e e b ld u o h s I think it m li s u M A . m la Is s a e m a s e Muslim is not th m li s u M a e n fi e d t o n n a c u o Y . g is a human bein n o s a re e th is is h T . m la Is h g u only thro s m li s u M f o r io v a h e b e th e k a m o why I als s e k jo e k a m 't n o d I h g u o h lt a a topic, about religions.

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Photos: ???????????????????????????????

"Integration must somehow be achieved by both migrants and Germans, who see each other daily. Food for thought from politics – gladly. But true integration must come from ordinary people like you and me and all the others whose paths cross each other on a daily basis.”

StandUpMigrants

Abdelkarim presents talents of y d e m o c l ra u lt u ic lt u m g n u o y e th scene in Germany. The comedy h a k o o h a in d e c u d ro p is w o h s bar in Munich and deals with a in n o ti ra g te in f o t c je b u s e th . y a w s u ro o m u h d n a e v ti a c provo

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

“I see myself as a multiplier” MELDA AKBAŞ > AUTHOR AND STUDENT

I Do It My Way – My Life between Mosque and Miniskirt

“

„

My mother got married when she was 18, as was tradition, and she was already a mom at 19.

In her day, the fathers still chose the husbands for their daughters. Today, this has completely changed, including the girls wearing a headscarf.

I have written a book about this: I Do It My Way – My Life between Mosque and Miniskirt.

"I had great elementary school teachers and a very good homeroom teacher in high school, and I think this has influenced my career.

These teachers believed in me. Today I have the dream that an Ali has the same chances as a Noah."

MELDA AKBAŞ was born in Berlin in 1991 to Turkish immigrants.

Even at school, she was heavily involved in community service as vice-president of the student body. After graduating from high school in Berlin-Kreuzberg in 2010, she worked for the Turkish community in Germany. Deutsche Bank honored her for her project "Let's organize somethin'". Her two books on integration attracted much attention in the media in Germany and Turkey. Today she lives in Hamburg and studies law.

Photos: Isabelle Graef

Why does nobody ask us?

What goes wrong at school?

LET'S ORGANIZE SOMETHIN' In the scope of the project "L.O.S. – Let's organize somethin", young people with a migration background learn how to speak freely in front of larger groups.

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

Integration guide in Berlin Sajedeh Abu Saoud, left, advises families in Berlin

SAJEDEH ABU SAOUD > INTEGRATION GUIDE

“

When I came to Berlin because of my German husband in the late 1990s, I wasn’t able to communicate or do much.

I had no friends and no relatives. Today I feel comfortable and have self-confidence.

This is the reason why I look after refugees, because I don't want other people to have the same experience that I had back then.

„

SAJEDEH ABU SAOUD came to Germany in the late 1990s to be able to live with her husband in Berlin.

Until then, she had worked in Jordan as a teacher and legal assistant.

Since early 2014, she has been working as an integration guide and helps refugees settle in Berlin.

Photos: Barbara Dietl, Diakonisches Werk Steglitz-Teltow-Zehlendorf

Sajedeh Abu Saoud

with her colleagues

All integration guides of Berlin

N I L R E B N I S E D I U G INTEGRATION

t n e m y lo p m e e h t s e t o m o r p ” s e id u G n io t a r g e t In “ m a r g o r p e t a t s n lp li e h d n a The Ber s le d r u h e iv t a r t is in m d a e m o c r e v o s t n a r ig m lp e h o h w s e id . s of gu m a r g o r p e g a u g n la n a m r e G d n a s r e t n e c e r a refugees find dayc

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

Immigration Hot Spot Berlin-Neukölln KAZIM ERDOĞAN > INTEGRATION EXPERT

“

e th s rt o p p u s " N L L Ö K U E N G IN N E K The initiative "AWA n ll ö k u e -N in rl e B t ic tr is d t o p s t o h residents of the social y il m fa d n a l, a n o ti a c u d e l, ia c o s through a range of d n a n a g o rd E ım z a K y b d le is t c je ro projects. The p e n o h p le te g in d lu c in , s e v ti ia it in s u o encompasses vari r fo d n a e c n le io v c ti s e m o d f o s m ti hotlines for vic , ts n re a p r fo s p u ro g n io s s u c is d , n gambling addictio . n ll ö k u e N in " g in d a e R d n a e g and a "Week of Langua

Photos: Aufbruch Neukölln, Bundesbildstelle

n e m h is rk u T r fo p u ro G ’ rs e th I founded the Fa d e c in v n o c m a I e s u a c e b , n in Berlin-Neuköll r u o f o g in g n ri b p u d n a n o ti a that the educ . rs e th fa t u o h it w te le p m o c in is young people , s s u c is d to t e e m e w d n a , n All of us are me s a h c u s s e u s is , h is rk u T d n a n a in Germ le ro e th d n a , s g ru d , e c n le io v t, unemploymen to g n ti la re s e g n e ll a h c r o ty of women in socie t. n e m e rc fo n e w la d n a , ls o o h c daycare, s KAZIM ERDOĞAN, born in Turkey in 1953, is considered the leading integration expert in Germany. He studied psychology and sociology in Berlin and, since 2007, has led the first support group for men of Turkish origin in Germany. In 2012, former German President Joachim Gauck awarded him the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his dedicated service.

„

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

Refugee Teachers Welcome

ALAA KASSAB > ENGLISH TEACHER FROM SYRIA

“

„

I taught English in a children's day care center in Aleppo. Shortly after I arrived in Germany, I applied for teacher qualification at the University of Potsdam. I am very glad that I was chosen, and in the future I would like to teach at an elementary school in Germany.

AWARD-WINNING PROGRAM FOR TEACHERS WHO FLED THEIR HOME

Photos: Martin STollerberg

The University of Potsdam established the first qualification program for refugee teachers in Germany in 2016.

Approximately 700 candidates from all over Germany applied for 45 openings.

For one year, the teachers, who were trained in their home countries, enrolled in a German course, had extensive discussions with students, instructors and scientists at the university, and sat in on classes at other schools.

The program was honored by the largest German Donors' Association – Stifterverband.

n o ti u ib tr n o c t n a rt o p im n a s e k a m "The program o d ly n o t o N . n o ti a c u d e h g u to integration thro y la p s ie tr n u o c ir e th d e fl e v a h o h w the teachers t u b , n o ti a c fi li a u q ir e th g in h tc an active part ma n o ti ra ig m a h it w ts n e d tu s e th n in the long ru background will also profit from it." d n a rb e rv e ft ti S n o ti ia c o s s A ' rs o n o Jury of the D

"The teachers among the refugees could be effective bridge builders by mediating linguistically and culturally between the new students and their parents and the German schools."

Prof. Dr. Miriam Vock, University of Potsdam

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

New beginning in the bakery

AHEMED ABDI JAMA > TRAINING AS BAKER

“

I would like to stay in Germany and work as a baker.

„

s e e g fu re e ir h e W . n o ti a u it s in -w "It's a win s e e in a tr h g u o n e d n fi t o n o d because we le p o e p g n u o y e th d n a , n io s s fe ro for our p o d ld u o w I . y n a rm e G in e v ti c get a perspe e g ra u o c n e ly n o n a c d n a , in a g a d n a it again ." e m a s e th o d to s ie n a p m o c r e oth ry e k a B e th f o r e g a n a m , ib ta S Markus

Photos: Martin STollerberg, Bäckerei Staib

The BAKERY STAIB in southern Germany has been training refugees from Nigeria, Somalia and Eritrea for more than a year and won an integration award for this commitment in November 2016.

The medium-sized company is currently run by the third generation of the Staib family.

Production manager Ulrich Möschl and his team

l h c s ö M h ic lr U r e g a n a m n o ti c u d ro P , 5 2 , a m a J i d b A d e m e h A e e in a and tr . ls a o g n o ti c u d ro p w ie v re , a li from Soma Ahemed Abdi Jama prepar

es pastry dough.

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

Culinary integration

FARZANEH HO

SSEINI

> COOK AT "Ü B E R D EN TELL ERRAND "

“

„

n o i t a d o m m o c c a e e g u f e r e h t n i I was asked o t e c n a h c a s a w t I . g n i k o o c e k i l t l e whether I f , n a t s i n a h g f A n I . ) n a m r e G n r a e l o t d n a ( t u o t ge e v o m o t n e m o w d n a s l r i g r o f e l b a k n i h t n u s it i . e r e h t s m e l b o r p y n a m e v a h e W . so freely

A cookbook with stories from refugees looking for a home in Germany and from people welcoming them.

REFUGEES GIVE COOKING COURSES

t. n e m n o ir v n e d te la o is n a m o "Migrants often come fr n a c d n a ls a c lo to d e s o xp e re In Germany, they a t n a rt o p im ly s u o rm o n e is is Th . g in k practice spea ." e m o lc e w l e fe m e th w o ll a to " d n a rr e ll Te n e d r e b "Ü r e b m e m Esther Bernsen, team

Photos: Judith Affolter

Together with others, 20-year-old Farzaneh prepares a typical Afghan dish.

At "Über den Tellerrand", refugees teach cooking courses in a project kitchen and introduce guests to dishes from their home countries. For most attendees who live in the surrounding neighborhood this is their first contact with refugees.

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

This country has done so much to protect me ABDUL AMIR > TRAINEE AS THW ASSISTANT

“ „ From the very first border official, everybody in Germany has received me with respect and friendliness. Having experienced so much help myself, I now want to help others.

"We would like to offer the refugees a home. Whether they stay here or move on: our training is not lost. Even if they return to their home country sometime, they can use there what they have learned here."

Volker Patzwaldt, Technical Relief Agency

Photos: Darius Ramazani

REFUGEES GET INVOLVED AT THE THW

In 2015, refugees from Afghanistan, Eri trea, India, Iraq, Iran, Mali, Morocco, Niger, Su dan, South Korea and Syria started training at the THW. Since its foundation, the THW has been involved, on behalf of the federal govern ment, in civil defense missions in more than 13 0 countries in order to provide humanitarian assista nce. www.thw.de

ABDUL AMIR comes from a suburb of Damascus. He left Syria in 2013 and arrived in Germany in 2015. Germany’s willingness to help inspired him to start training at the Technical Relief Agency (THW) near Frankfurt.

Since then, he continues to work closely with his mentor Volker Patzwaldt and hopes to study dentistry in Heidelberg.

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

A Rabbi and an Imam are sitting on the same bicycle , t" c e p s re t2 e e "m n o ti c a e th r Unde Rabbis and Imams in Berlin promote s th u o y g n o m a e c n ra le to s u io relig and stand up against religious m e d n ta a h it w . g . e , n o ti a in m ri disc bicycle tour. The objective is to m is it m e -S ti n a t n e v re p d n a e c redu h ic h w n o ti la u p o p m li s u M e among th s e d u it tt a l a c ti li o p m o fr s m te s ly main shaped by the Middle East conflict, and to fight prejudice against Muslims in Western society.

"Whoever insults another's God also insults his own God." Anonymous

e b t o n t s u m e r e "Th s a e r a o g o any n . n i l r e B n i s w e J r fo n o s a e r e h t s ' t a h T " . n o i t c a e h for t

N I T L A I L Z A F M A

IM

R E M R O F D N A R E C Y I W M A A L L S > I E H T F O T N E D N I I S L E R R E P B N I N O I T A R E FED

RABBI DANIEL ALTER

Photos: Tino Pohlmann, meet2respect

> FORMER ANTI-SEMITISM COMMISSIONER OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY IN BERLIN

"To counter sweeping Islamophobia, we, as Rabbis, get onto the tandem bicycle together with the Imams and make a point with this tour."

HOUSE OF ONE

, s n a ti s ri h C , in rl e B f o r te n e c In the d il u b to g in rk o w re a s m li s u M Jews and a s e d lu c in t a th ip h rs o w f o e s a hou e u q s o m a d n a , e u g o g a n y s a , h rc u h c e th , 8 1 0 2 in g in rt ta S f. o ro e n o under l fu e c a e p te o m ro p l il w ” e n O “House of interfaith dialogue.

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

Pretty smart N A S U S ID &

OM

E H T T A S T N E D L O > STU O H C S T R A SM

MUNICH SCHOOL FO

R YOUNG REFUGEES

About 320 young re fugees attend the S mart School in Munich, w here they obtain va rious skill sets in up to 20 different classes. In addition to the less ons, the students re ceive intensive individual support allowing th em to enter the German mainstream school and training system after only a short time. In 2014, the s chool was awarded the distinguished Germ an School Prize by t he Robert Bosch Stiftu ng.

About 225 young re fugees – most of them unacc ompanied – are taught in Munic h by a network of teachers, social e ducation workers and psycho logists.

“

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"The motivation of the youths who are often traumatized is high. They regard school as a great opportunity for themselves."

Principal Antonia Veramendi

. l o o h c s o t o g o t d e t n a w s I alway

Photos: Tobias Hase

Unaccompanied minors a rm e G to e m o c e v a h who ny enroll in prep classes l o o h c s a t a n o ti a u d ra g for for refugees in Munich. n a s u S d n a n a Ir m o fr id Om from Uganda are two of them.

In Iran, Omid could attend school for only two years.

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

I reach out to Germany

“

I have learned that Germans take a longer time, but then they are unstoppable.

That's why I believe that integration will work.

„

R E T A H S L A S FIRA R E B U T U > YO

Photos: Jim Naughten

I reach out to Germany – A Syrian about his new home.

FIRAS ALSHATER grew up in Damascus. In 2011, he was one of the co-organizers of the first demonstrations against the Assad regime. He documented the development in Syria as a filmmaker and was temporarily detained.

He has lived in Berlin since 2013.

He became known across Germany through his YouTube channel and his book about migration.

e e g u f e r 0 0 5 n a h t e r o Since 2015, m e h t d e iv e c e r e v a h y n homes in Germa " b a w b A " r e p a p s w e n e g Arabic langua n io t a m r o f in s e id v o r p It (“Doors”). l a ic t li o p e h t , s w la e about Germany, th r e p a p e h T . e r o m d n a d system, the foo s r o h t u a r e e t n lu o v 5 4 is written by , a e r it r E , q a Ir , n e m e Y from Germany, s s e r d d a o h w n o n a b Syria, and Le t h g li h ig h , m is in m e f e k li subjects d n a , s ie r o t s s s e c c u integration s e .d b a w b .a w w w . s e r create caricatu

ABWAB – DOOR TO THE WORLD

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

Open Higher Education

SAJIDA ABADI* > MECHANICAL ENGINEERING STUDENT

“

Everything is the result s e o d n o ti ra g te In . n o ti a c u of ed . y tl ic tr s d e n n la p e b to not have

„

ONLINE STUDIES FOR REFUGEES

Photos: photothek.net/Grabowsky

The social start-up organization "Kiron Open Higher Education”, established in March 2015, allows refugees all over the world to gain access to higher education. Online classes and traditional studies are free and can be taken regardless of the refugee’s legal status.

The objective is to promote integration in the host country and create long-term prospects for people who have fled their home countries. The German government financed the project with approx. $2.3 million in its first year.

SAJIDA ABADI had just started to study mechanical engineering in Syria when the war erupted. In 2014, her family decided to leave Syria. Following her arrival in Germany, Abadi wanted to continue her studies.

Through a study platform known as "Kiron", she has now managed to catch up with her studies.

. s e e g u f e r y n a m r o f y a w y l n o e h t s "Kiron i d n a d e n i m r e t e d , d e t a v i t o m y l h g i h They are o t y t i l i b i s n o p s e r l a i c e p s a 's t I . e l versati work here." n o r i K s c i n e d a c A f o d a e H , y o z d a z A a l Hi

* Name changed by the editorial staff

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

Sports open doors A SPORTS CLUB INVITES The Turnverein Arnsberg, a sports club in Sauerland, North Rhine-Westphalia, wanted to help refugee children feel at home in Germany and invited them to a holiday sports program, free of charge.

UDO JAKOBI

“

> CHA

G R E B S N R A V T B U L C S T R O P S E H T F O IRMAN

Sports are a great way to open doors.

In case of doubt, everything works here even without language.

„

During the week-long program, about 45 children participate in sports and games. Sharuka from Sri Lanka is one of them.

She practices juggling colorful clothes.

Photos: photothek.net/Gottschalk

INTEGRATION BY MEANS OF SPORTS

m o fr y il m fa r e h h it w y n a rm e G Tamanija came to Serbia to start a new life here.

For 25 years, the federal government has supported the program "Integration through Sports", providing almost $6 million annually. The objective is to promote mutual tolerance of all people and to support social integration of migrants.

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

I see my future in Germany

“

The work is great and my colleagues are very friendly. I feel comfortable in Germany, because I see a future here.

„

OMAR CEESAY > CARPENTRY APPRENTICE

e p a c s e to 2 1 0 2 in ia b m a G m o fr d e fl , 9 2 , Y A S E E C OMAR .

3 1 0 2 in y n a rm e G in d e iv rr a e H . re u rt to d n a n io s s re p sup in y il m fa n a rm e G a y b d e rt o p p u s n e e b s a h e h , n e th Since , y il m fa is th h it w g in v li y B . e c n ta s n o C e k a L r a e n rf o Wilhelmsd y tr n e rp a c a h it w h c u to in t u p o ls a s a w d n a n a rm e G d e rn he lea . g in in a tr g in o rg e d n u y tl n shop, where he is curre

NECESSARY SUPPORT

Photos: Nicole Maskus-Trippel

Omar Ceesay needed a visa to train as a carpenter in Germany. This required supporting himself.

Alexander Lanz, manager of the carpentry shop Holitsch, instructs O mar Ceesay.

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

“I am German” HADNET TESFAI > JOURNALIST > FORMER MTV PRESENTER

“

My first impressions of Germany revolved around a refugee accommodation center, long hallways and bunk beds. I grew up in a small town in southern Germany with a population of 50,000 – in Göppingen.

My parents still live there today. I was the only black kid in my school back then – and later in high school as well. This was strange, but my parents taught us early on: ‘We must cope with this and go our own way.'

Photos: ??????????????????

s i t i t l u c fi f i d w o h w o n k I , s e e g u f e r f o , r y e n t a h g m r u e a G d n a i e r "As e h g n o l a t e g o t s l a v i r r a w l e l n a e m s m o y s n r a o f m e r o t s n i s d l o h e f i l y a d t y r r o e v p e p u e s s u e a h t c t u be o b a d a l g y r e v m a I , e r o f e r pitfalls. The " . y n a m r e G n i e l p o e p y n a m of

„

HADNET TESFAI Accompanied by her mother and three siblings, Hadnet Tesfai migrated to Germany as a three-year-old in 1982.

She came from Eritrea via Sudan and Saudi Arabia.

After receiving her high school diploma with high grades and graduating from college (Political Science and Arabic Studies), she began to work as a radio presenter in Berlin.

Throughout her career, she worked for major entertainment companies such as MTV and the Eurovision Song Contest.

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N I A N Y:

From refugee child to world champion SUSI KENTIKIAN

> BOXING WORL

“

D CHAMPION

When I arrived in Germany, I wanted to learn German very quickly in order to understand the other children with whom I played. This was very important to me, and within two years I actually managed to do so.

„

Susi Kentikian fled with her parents and siblings from Armenia to Germany at the age of five. She started boxing when she was 12 years old. For years, she lived with her family in a one-room studio apartment and helped her family make ends meet by taking on cleaning jobs. Kentikian has been the boxing world champion in flyweight since 2007. She obtained German citizenship in 2008.

Photos: ?????????????

BOXING FOR INTEGRATION

"Fighting your way through and arrivin g" is the motto of an integration project in Hamburg. R efugees can train at a boxing club free of charge once a w eek. Kentikian supports the project. In addition to boxi ng, the project – also allows participants (mostly young men) to make friends so that they can more easily ad apt to their new life in Germany.

I don't get anything as a gift!

My life, my dreams

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N A N Y: I

GERMANY – A COUNTRY SHAPED BY IMMIGRATION Between 1950 and 2014, 44 million migrants came to Germany. During the same period, 32 million people emigrated from Germany. Migrants make up a slightly bigger share of the population in Germany than in the United States. The recent increase in immigration is a result of both the EU’s freedom of movement and the ongoing refugee crisis.

Immigration has shaped Germany since World War II 1.200.000 1.000.000

1966-1967 Economic crisis

800.000 600.000

1992 438,000 people apply for asylum in Germany. 230,000 ethnic Germans immigrate.

1973 Oil crisis prompts Germany to stop recruiting guest workers, but those from earlier agreements stay and their families continue to arrive in Germany.

as at 2015 (estimated):

1.14 mill.

400.000 200.000 0

1955 First guest -200.000 worker recruitment agreement with Italy.

8 other agreements concluded later.

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1990 After reunification, 400,000 ethnic Germans and their family members immigrate to Germany from the former Soviet Union.

1993 Modification to the right of asylum, restricting migrants with unfounded asylum applications and those entering from safe countries.

2015 2004 Beginning of the EU enlargement to the East; 13 new states join the EU between 2004 and 2013.

European freedom of movement Immigration to Germany is partly due to the freedom of movement within the borders of the European Union. More than 50 % of Germany’s immigrant community consists of EU citizens.

Flight and asylum The most recent refugees came to Germany primarily from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Nigeria and Pakistan. These individuals fled from terrorist militia, the Islamic State, the Taliban, from civil wars and dictators. Fearing for their lives at home, they fled to Germany, where refugees are often granted protection.

Photo: iStock_Steve Debenport

Today, one in five people in Germany has a foreign background – among them:

75 % 50 % 33 %

have lived in Germany for at last 20 years hold German citizenship were born in Germany

ONE IN FIVE CHILDREN in Germany has a migration background (one parent is an immigrant or a foreigner born in Germany). Most of these children were born in Germany and hold German citizenship.

2016

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N A N Y: I

NEW CHALLENGE: REFUGEES SEEK SHELTER

T H G I L F FACTS ON M U L Y S A AND

Worldwide, more than 65 million people are fleeing persecution, violence, and human rights violations. In Germany, refugees are granted asylum if they can prove that they have been persecuted in their home countries for political reasons or have fled from a war-torn region.

n o i t u t i t s n o c n a m r e G e h T > s l a u d i v i d n i guarantees l a c i t i l o p n o d persecute o t t h g i r e h t grounds asylum. e r a s r e k e e s > Asylum l a i t i n i n a o t admitted d n a y t i l i c a f n o recepti s e i l p p u s c i s a receive b . ) s e h t o l c d there (food an t a h t n i y a t s a g n i w o l l o F

> s r e k e e s m u l y facility, as e e g u f e r a o may move t g n i v i l e v i t a n home or alter space. , s n o i t i d n o c n i a t r e c r e d n U > y a m s r e k e e s asylum. s h t n o m e e r work after th l a g e l o n h t i > Those w t s u m y a t s o right t – y n a m r e G e leav y b r o y l i r a t n u l either vo . n o i t a t r o p e d

Asylum means protection from persecution Germany and five other countries signed the Geneva Convention on Refugees in 1951 which, in 2016, had 144 signatory states. Member states pledge to treat asylum-seekers and refugees in accordance with certain international standards.

ASYLUM-SEEKERS IN GERMANY * as for June 2017

90,389 2016 745.545 2015 476,649

2017*

202,834 2013 127,023

2014

Source: Federal Minister of the Interior

2017: Influx of refugees limited

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During the summer of 2017, approx. 15.000 refugees arrived in Germany each month.

This was considerably less than in late 2015. Germany regulates immigration and fights the root causes for flight. Illegal migration is halted through measures including the EU-Turkey Joint Action Plan.

Where are the refugees coming from?

Syria 428,468 Afghanistan 154,046 Iraq 121,662 Iran 29,826 Eritrea 25,505 Russian Federation 9,059 Nigeria 11,825 Somalia 12,814 Pakistan 28,392 Source: Federal Criminal Police Office, 2016

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COMBATING THE ROOT CAUSES FOR FLIGHT For many years, Germany has supported the fight against the root causes for flight – bilaterally, together with other industrial states, the EU, and international organizations. Germany and its partners cooperate in development aid, diplomacy, military matters, and immediate humanitarian aid.

Middle East – Cash for jobs employment campaign In 2016, the Federal Development Ministry has set aside 200 million Euros to create jobs for at least 50,000 people in Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, and other countries.

Iraq – Rebuilding the infrastructure

Turkey – Further training of refugees

In northern Iraq, buildings and roads are being repaired, sewers are built and renovated, and the infrastructure in refugee camps is upgraded.

Syrian refugees in Turkey are offered language courses, vocational training, integration courses, and job placements.

GERMAN FOREIGN POLICY In 2016, the Foreign Office’s budget was increased by 400 million Euros to help stabilize the situation in the refugees' countries of origin. Projects aim at avoiding and defusing crises, assisting on the ground and providing information about flight and migration.

400 MILLION

Euros to strengthen the response to the refugee situation

Financial support by the Foreign Office provides school meals: The Order of Malta Worldwide Relief distributes daily lunches.

Photos: ASB/Hannibal, Malteser International, "Rumours About Germany"

n e e tw e b r e rd o b e th t a , In Bezdan rs e b m e m , a ti a ro C d n a Serbia n ta ri a m a S ’ rs e rk o W e th of d e d n a tr s r e ft a k o lo n o ti Federa h it w n o ti ra e p o o c in ls individua the Foreign Office.

“Rumors about Germany" – Poster awareness campaign in Afghanistan to address false rumors and lies created by traffickers.

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S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N A N Y: I

LEARN GERMAN AND ABIDE BY OUR LAWS “It is very important that we perceive integration as an opportunity for people who chose to migrate to Germany, but also as an expectation that they will learn German and abide by our laws.”

Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor

INTEGRATION ACT The Integration Act of 2016 is designed to facilitate refugee integration through additional courses, training, and job opportunities. At the same time, it spells out the obligations of asylum-seekers in Germany.

100,000 integration measures

Obligation to cooperate in integration measures

for refugees

Stronger

promotion of vocational training

Temporary assignment

of a place of residence in order to avoid social hot spots

Extended integration courses with communication of values

Photos: CDU / Dominik Butzmann, Guido Bergmann, Henning Schacht

"’Work, please!’ – these are often the first German words that many learn and want to learn, because they do not want to be dependent at all (...), because they know, because we also know: The best path to integration is through a job."

Andrea Nahles, Federal Minister of Employment

"They have completed vocational training or learned a trade. They study or they have started a business where people work. They are moving our country forward.

These people enrich our country."

Thomas de Maizière, Federal Minister of the Interior

y r a u r b e F

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S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N A N Y: I

COMMON TASKS FOR GENERATIONS TO COME The initial euphoric welcome culture ("Refugees Welcome") has somewhat diminished, giving way to the reality of the situation. The integration of so many people will "last a long time and cost a lot of money," says the head of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. However, German society continues to display a readiness to help.

Government and local officials are responsible for housing and integrating refugees. German civil society also plays an important role in facilitating the arrival and integration of asylum-seekers.

More than 600 community projects have been launched across Germany to assist refugees.

These are the most important political problems for Germans:

44 % Immigration 20 % Social injustice 17 % Pensions Source: ARD-DeutschlandTrend, July 6, 2017

"Welcome guides" on permanent duty 150 trained guides bridge the gap between private companies and public agencies. Since March 2016, they have connected thousands of refugees with companies willing to hire them.

Photos: picture alliance / dpa

Tens of thousands of volunteers distributed clothing donations, assisted with paperwork at public offices, taught German, and offered recreational activities for children and juveniles. In addition to local initiatives, welfare organizations, churches, mosque associations, and human rights organizations provide direct help to refugees. The app "Welcome to Germany" supports this commitment and facilitates coordination.

A R R I V A L-A P P To help refugees orient themselves quickly in their new communities, the app "Arrival" offers free language lessons, practical advice on living in Germany, and information on asylum proceedings.

It is currently available in Arabic, English, Farsi, French, and German.

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S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N A N Y: I

IMPORTANT HELP: INTEGRATION COURSES FOR IMMIGRANTS The German government’s comprehensive integration courses, which include a benefits package, are the most effective tool to integrate both new immigrants and those who already live in Germany.

Language and orientation course

+

Each course comprises 30 weeks of language training and 60 hours of information on the German legal system, history, and culture.

Participants conclude the course with a final exam and a language test.

INTEGRATION COURSES HAVE A LARGE ATTENDANCE integration courses graduates

339,578 + 89 % 2016 179,398 2017

133,050+ 35 % 2016 98,582 2017

Integration at institutions of higher education

Photos: Sebastian Bolesch, Judith Affolter

Retired high school teacher Hannelore Harmsen teaches mathematics to refugees at the Preparatory College of the Free University of Berlin.

Even after the courses the refugees learn German using a WhatsApp group.

"The key for a good life is education.

It starts with the German language."

Kerstin Schweers, voluntary language mediator

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S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N A N Y: I

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR GERMANY Germany depends on immigration to a larger degree than the US in order to secure growth and prosperity for future generations. Refugees fill the future need for skilled workers and make the systems of social security fit for the future. However, many of those who have migrated to Germany are still dependent on social welfare and have not yet gained access to the labor market.

58 % 28 %

IMMIGRANTS REJUVENATE SOCIETY

under 24 years

On average, the population of asylum seekers is significantly younger than the average German population.

under 15 years

50,000

refugees have found employment in 2016

10,000

refugees will undergo training until 2018

PATH TO THE LABOR MARKET From language courses to internships, skills assessment and qualification tests, there are many ways to help integrate refugees into the workforce.

Typically refugees have a more difficult time finding work than other immigrants, due to their lack of German language skills, vocational training or job experience.

"The integration of refugees takes much longer than most people expected."

Holger Schwannecke, German Confederation of Skilled Crafts

Self-employed persons with a migration background create jobs

Photo: iStock/Bulent Ince

947,000 2005

1,284,000 2014

GERM

S T N A R G I M M I G N I T A R G E T N A N Y: I

SECURITY CONCERNS Germany is still among the world's safest countries. However, events like the 2016 attack on a Berlin Christmas market have aroused fear among the population. In response, the federal government and the states have heightened their security measures.

Fear of terrorism in Germany

D E S A E R C IN S E R U S A E M Y T I R U C SE y t i r u c e s e v o r p m i o t r e d r o In , y n a m r e G n for all people i e r e w s e r u s a e additional m g n i d u l c n i , 7 1 0 taken in 2 t n e m e r i u q e r e c n e d i s e r a

> e c a l p y r o t a d n (i. e. ma m u l y s a r o f ) of residence n i a t r e c r e d seekers un conditions s n o i t i d n o c e r p > facilitated g n i d n e p n o i t for deten deportation f o e c n a l l i e v r u s r e t c i r t s

> e v a e l o t d e g i l foreigners ob the country r o f s e l k c a h s t o o f c i n o r t c e l e > d n a s r e k c a t potential at s r e d n e f f o l a n i m i r c d e t c i v n co s n o i t a i t o g e n > accelerated n o n i g i r o f o s e i r t n u o c h t i w

s t n a r g i m m i taking back t f a r c r i a f o e > storag a t a d l a n o s r e p s r e g n e s s a p d n a f f a t s l a n o i > addit e c i l o p e h t r o f resources r

io r e t In e h t f o y r t is in Source: Federal M

About 84 % of Germans fear further attacks by Islamic extremists. Moreover, some fear that the influx of refugees in Germany will lead to further terrorism.

Source: YouGov & DPA, 2017

84 % PREVENTION PROJECTS For security agencies, prevention is an essential element in the fight against crime, terrorism and even anti-Semitism.

In this regard, projects originating from civil society are supported as well.

Confronting anti-Semitism With a significant number of immigrants coming from countries where antiSemitism is widespread, there is a pressing need to address this issue. Germans and immigrants are working together to confront anti-Semitism. In Berlin, the "Kreuzberg Initiative against antiSemitism" organizes projects at schools and youth clubs.

Project "Preventing violence – promoting integration" Photos: meet2respect, Wolf

www.jugendgewalt-vorbeugen.de

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RETURN TO ONE'S HOME COUNTRY A quick asylum procedure and resolute enforcement of the obligation to leave the country are important preconditions for acceptance of the right of asylum in Germany. Among the large number of refugees who came to Germany during the last few years, there are many who do not have a right to asylum and hence no claim to stay in Germany. These individuals must return to their countries of origin.

Safe countries of origin Several Balkan States such as Serbia, Kosovo and Albania, some African states such as Algeria, Senegal and Ghana as well as Afghanistan are considered to be safe countries of origin.

Asylum applications by citizens of these countries are frequently rejected for being "manifestly unfounded".

CENTER COORDINATES REPATRIATIONS Since May 2017, the Repatriation Supp ort Center promotes the voluntary departu re of refugees and coordinates collective deportations. The newly-established ag ency also ensures that habitual criminal offe nders and potential attackers leave the coun tr y .

Source: Fe deral Ministry of the Interior

VOLUNTARY RETURN OR DEPORTATION Rejected asylum seekers are given support when returning voluntarily to their countries of origin. For this purpose, so-called reintegration programs have been set up. These are intended to open up an economic and social perspective for repatriates. If a rejected asylum seeker refuses to leave Germany voluntarily by a fixed deadline, he or she will be deported.

Rejected applications for asylum 

Voluntary return 

159,777 39.2 %

72 %

of all rejected asylum seekers

25,000 Deportations and 55,000 voluntary repatriations Photo: iStock/Silvia Jansen

Source: Federal Ministry of the Interior, 2016/2017