German expert: Immigration in Germany is heading towards chaos
German economist Bernd Raffelhüschen called for a comprehensive reorientation of immigration policy in Germany, emphasizing that the current situation does not serve the economic and social interests of the country. In a statement to Bild newspaper, Raffelhüschen described immigration and naturalization policy as flawed, stressing the need for a new approach that selects immigrants based on their economic benefit, ability to integrate, and compatibility with German values.
He explained that factors such as gender, age, and culture play a pivotal role in the success of migration. He said: My studies show that Germany only benefits when qualified young women come, while a large number of men leads to long-term social tension. He added that the delay of migrants in entering the labor market, especially the unqualified, makes their economic contribution minimal. He emphasized that those who arrive in Germany unqualified should start working at the age of twenty, and those over thirty should be highly qualified to benefit the economy.
He emphasized the importance of cultural compatibility, stating: immigrants must be willing to live according to our Christian liberal values, not oppose them. Those who reject our system should not be allowed to enter the country, and certainly should not be granted citizenship. Despite these demands, the number of naturalized citizens continues to rise. In 2024, about 291,000 foreigners obtained German citizenship, an increase of 46% from the previous year. In Berlin alone, 20,000 people were naturalized in the first half of 2025, double the number in the same period last year. Immigration authorities aim to reach 40,000 naturalization cases by the end of the year.
This increase has sparked political criticism. The Interior Minister of Hesse, Roman Posek from the CDU party, stated that the federal government has granted citizenship excessively, considering that setting numerical targets for naturalization is absurd and should be linked to clear conditions, not quotas. As for professional integration, the results remain weak. According to figures from the Federal Agency for Civic Education, only 41% of adult refugees were employed four years after their arrival, while 59% remained unemployed. Often, these jobs are temporary or low-paying, which is not enough to secure a decent life.
Business coach Peter Holzer pointed out that many refugees lack even school certificates or the ability to read and write, making them unqualified to fill the shortage of skilled personnel. He called for replicating the models of Canada and the United States, where immigration systems rely on clear criteria and a focus on skills. Despite the criticisms, other experts insist on the importance of immigration. Labor market expert Herbert Brücker told Deutschlandfunk: We need immigration and will benefit from it economically. He emphasized that even immigrants with low qualifications can have a positive impact in the long term, provided there are opportunities for integration, education, and work. In 2024, the number of vacant jobs in Germany reached about 694,000, most of which require high qualifications. Brücker confirms that the economic success of immigration depends on factors such as the age of newcomers, their education, their ability to integrate, and their willingness to stay. Amid this debate, Ravelhohsun calls for a realistic immigration policy free from ideological illusions, saying: We need an immigration policy that works in the long term.