German interior minister Thomas de Maiziere is proposing a new law that will compel migrants to learn German and integrate into society or else lose their permanent residency rights.
The proposal comes after voters rejected Chancellor Angela Merkel’s open-door refugee policy in elections earlier this month, instead turning to the anti-immigrant party Alternative for Germany.
In return for language lessons, social benefits and housing, Germany expected refugees would make an effort to integrate into western culture, Mr. de Maiziere told ARD television.
“For those who refuse to learn German, for those who refuse to allow their relatives to integrate — for instance women or girls — for those who reject job offers: for them, there cannot be an unlimited settlement permit after three years,” he said, Reuters reported.
He said he wanted to create a “link between successful integration and the permissions for how long one is allowed to stay in Germany.”
Last year Germany saw roughly 1 million refugees enter the country — many fleeing from violence in the Middle East and North Africa. Mr. de Maiziere said around 100,000 more had arrived so far this year.
Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel welcomed the draft law, which is planned for May.
“We must not only support integration but demand it,” Mr. Gabriel told mass-selling daily Bild, Reuters reported.
• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.
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