Abstract

A large number of the 1.2 million refugees who made their way to Germany over the last two years are likely to remain in the country. But many will now do so with reluctance and abiding unease. After all, they did not choose to come to Germany for the freedom of driving on the German Autobahn or to partake in the earthly delights of Munich's Oktoberfest but to flee from the ravaged lands of Syria, Afghanistan, or Iraq. The crux of the problem for them and for German society is clear: how can they integrate quickly and effectively in order to create new, meaningful lives for themselves as well as contribute to German public life? Under the German Nationality Law of 2000 they are eligible for citizenship after living in the country for eight years. In the mean-time, how can they begin to make Germany their new home?

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