Guests or immigrants? Contradiction and change in the German immigration policy debate since the recruitment stop.

Abstract

The authors review major points in the policy debate over immigration in West Germany since the 1973 recruitment stop legislation. Special emphasis is placed on the labor force effects of migration to West Germany and their impact on migration policy. The authors find that "government immigration policy since 1973 has embraced three contradictory goals: reduce the influx of foreigners, integrate those who intend to settle in West Germany, and encourage the return of migrants who are inclined to leave. The internal contradictions between these policy goals have prevented them from being fulfilled and thereby have generated considerable frustration."