taz.de
12% of German Immigrants Plan to Leave: Study
A study by the Institute for Employment Research found that 12% (1.2 million) of surveyed immigrants in Germany plan to leave, with reasons varying across groups, influenced by political climate and economic factors.
- How do the reasons for wanting to leave Germany differ among various immigrant groups (e.g., EU citizens, refugees)?
- The study, conducted by the Institute for Employment Research, surveyed 50,000 immigrants between December 2024 and April 2025. It highlights a significant portion of immigrants intending to leave, driven by factors ranging from family ties to economic prospects and political climate. The timing of the survey, coinciding with heated political debates around immigration, likely influenced responses.
- What percentage of surveyed immigrants in Germany intend to leave the country, and what are the most prominent reasons cited?
- A recent study reveals that 1.2 million immigrants in Germany, or 12% of those surveyed, plan to leave the country, with another 3 million undecided. Reasons vary, with EU citizens citing family proximity as the primary factor, while others prioritize economic opportunities in countries like Switzerland and the US.
- What are the potential long-term economic and social consequences of this significant number of immigrants leaving Germany, particularly in sectors experiencing labor shortages?
- The high rate of intended departure among skilled immigrants, particularly in sectors facing labor shortages like IT and healthcare, poses a significant challenge for Germany. Improving social integration, addressing political concerns, and providing economic incentives could mitigate future emigration.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction immediately emphasize the number of immigrants wanting to leave Germany. This framing sets a negative tone and could predispose readers to interpret the subsequent data with a bias towards negativity. While the study's findings are presented, the initial framing significantly influences the overall impression.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, although the repeated emphasis on immigrants "leaving" or "wanting to leave" Germany contributes to a negative overall impression. While this is based on the study's findings, the choice of words could be refined to be more balanced, for instance, by occasionally using phrasing such as "considering leaving" or "exploring other options".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the reasons why immigrants want to leave Germany, but provides limited information on successful integration stories or positive experiences of immigrants in Germany. This omission could create a skewed perception of the immigrant experience, neglecting the significant number who may be thriving and contributing positively to German society. While acknowledging the limitations of space, more balanced representation is recommended.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by primarily focusing on the choice between staying in Germany or leaving, neglecting the complexity of potential intermediate stages or options. Many immigrants might experience periods of uncertainty before making a final decision, or might choose to temporarily leave and then return. This simplification risks misrepresenting the dynamic nature of immigrant settlement.
Sustainable Development Goals
The study reveals significant disparities in emigration intentions based on factors like education level, income, and origin. Highly skilled immigrants and those with higher incomes are more likely to leave, exacerbating existing inequalities and potentially hindering economic growth in Germany. The reasons for leaving also vary across groups, highlighting existing social and economic disparities. This uneven distribution of emigration intentions contributes to inequality within the immigrant population and may impact the overall societal equality in Germany.