With Confidence and Realism

FES: During the coalition negotiations between the SPD and the CDU/CSU, the issue of migration was especially hard fought. From your point of view, what social democratic accents do you notice in the final agreement and what has given you the worst indigestion?

Lars Castellucci: We will enact an essential social democratic demand in the form of the Immigration Law. By making it possible for people to immigrate legally, we can prevent illegal immigration while also responding to the acute lack of skilled workers. Furthermore, we will do much to relieve the pressure on the states and municipalities. First of all, that will affect state expenditures for asylum-seekers and unaccompanied minor child refugees. Aside from that, we will improve child care and encourage the promotion of social (public) housing in municipalities. Adding it all together we are talking about investments of over six billion euros for 2017. These are investments that will benefit everyone in Germany. Fourteen billion euros will be devoted to combating the causes of flight.

The compromise on family reunification of refugees not recognized as such under the Geneva Convention but still entitled to protection under German law was difficult. Protection of the family is a powerful human need and thus must be a right due to all people. The social democratic idea is always defined in terms of rights that ought to be valid for all. Human dignity and human rights must not depend on a person’s residence status. We now have made it possible for 1000 people a month to join their families in a legal and safe way. In this manner we will also prevent illegal migration. Second, the point was to enable asylum-seekers to benefit from a focused, fair, and quick asylum proceeding at a single location. In principle, so-called anchor centers will offer just such an opportunity. It all depends on the arrangements there. Detention should be of as short duration as possible, the centers should not be too large, and independent counseling on procedures should be guaranteed.

In the SPD’s parliamentary delegation, you are responsible for the issues of migration and integration. Which tasks in these subject areas seem to you the most urgent during the current legislative term?

Generally speaking, we need to create a positive model for migration and integration. Because it is a worldwide phenomenon, the flow of migration cannot be switched off. Therefore, we have to shape it, and we need an overall vision in order to do that. We must combat the causes of flight rather than those who have fled. In acute situations of civil war or natural disasters, we must render aid in the countries of origin quickly, appropriately, and non-bureaucratically. Moreover, we wish to prevent illegal immigration; as part of that effort we should combat the human traffickers while allowing legal migration. We must cooperate more effectively in Europe by insuring that there are fair procedures and by sharing responsibility in a spirit of solidarity. Ultimately, we have to make sure that people have decent prospects in their home countries. Every euro spent there brings benefits worth many times the costs that would arise in Germany.

In order to integrate those who have immigrated in recent years into the educational system, the labor and housing markets, etc., funding will be needed. How do we communicate the fact that we plan to make investments that will benefit the entire society?

That’s easy: by making it clear that it’s for everyone. The best and ideally free education--for everyone! Affordable housing—for everyone! Good work—for everyone! Everywhere and always we must make it apparent that we have the entire country in mind.

The current legislative term ends in the fall of 2021. If you could have things your way: where do we stand in Germany when it comes to the issues of migration, flight, and integration?

I am working to create a positive model. We need to have the idea again, here in Germany, that a good future is possible and that it will probably be more attainable if many people commit to bringing it about. Germany can be a model for a good life together in diversity. We must work at it by seeking just solutions and fostering ties among human beings. A lot of people today talk about migration and flight, but in truth they do not feel as though they are being listened to enough by political actors. They don’t believe that their life’s work is held in high esteem, nor do they receive friendly and effective support when they face problems. We have to change that. And naturally we must accept the major challenges that arise in the areas of migration, flight, and integration—with confidence and realism. That won’t be easy, but it is possible if we believe in it and act accordingly.