Immigration: the more, the merrier?

An event organised by NovoArgumente and supported by the British Council as part of the Battle of Ideas festival.

11 November 2010, Tilsiter Lichtspiele, Berlin, 18.30 hrs

The immigration issue has become linked to almost all the other major debates in Germany today, from education and crime to the question of economic growth. It is increasingly perceived as a problem, as commentators point to the poor performance of immigrant children in German schools or to studies showing rising unemployment rates amongst young people of certain ethnic origins. Other debates allude to the idea that large numbers of Turkish immigrants have failed to integrate into their host community, citing the controversy over Turkish-language schools. The aim of promoting integration is now enshrined in German law. As a result of these debates, campaigners who argue that Germany can’t cope with the rate of immigration have become more assertive. Liberal critics respond by insisting that immigrants have contributed a great deal to the cultural enrichment and the economic stability of the country.

The More The Merrier by UK film-makers WORLDWrite, attempts to make a positive case for immigration as the free choice of individuals who want or need to move to other countries. The film argues that a debate about immigration should be closely linked to the question of how we want to live and of whether we cherish the concept of freedom of movement. From this perspective much of what is currently seen as a defence of immigration – the notion that immigrants can help the economy by filling skill gaps etc – actually reduces the debate to a very narrow and partial focus.

Can a case be made for immigration and freedom of movement in its own terms, or is it always a matter of weighing economic and cultural benefits against the costs? Should supporters of immigration argue for open borders and freedom of movement, or treat immigration on a case-by-case basis? Is there a risk that arguments in favour of immigration involve unfairly labelling critics as simply racist?

The event will feature a screening of the 15-minute film The More the Merrier followed by a panel discussion and a screening of the film Neukölln Unlimited.

The debate itself will be in German and will be attended by David Bowden as a guest representative of the Battle of Ideas Organising Committee. Guido Jansen, of the British Council, Germany, will give a brief introduction to the organisation’s activities in the area of migration and integration.