"Be clearer about what we expect from immigrants"

"Getting to the Heart of Immigrant Expectations"

Munich - Understanding what we ask from newcomers is essential in the ongoing immigration debate. And who better to offer guidance than Ahmad Mansour (47)? This expert, hailing from Israel with Arab roots, fights against Islamic anti-Semitism. In a meeting with the CSU, Mansour suggested that communication about our expectations for immigrants needed to be more transparent.

The CSU gathered Mansour to discuss a position paper. In this document, the parliamentary group outlined their stance: they demanded migrants embrace our dominant culture. According to the paper, this entailed: democracy, freedom, the rule of law, equal rights, and staunch support for Israel's existence. Klaus Holetschek (58), leader of the CSU parliamentary group, stressed the need to make it clear that migrants must not only accept these values but actively live by them.

Holetschek explained the paper's genesis: the rise of anti-Semitism on German streets and the presence of political Islam are motivations behind this call to action.

Mansour agrees with the idea of "Leitkultur," as long as it refers to the country's Basic Law. He believes it's essential to mention our shared values and make it clear what's expected from newcomers. As for a welcoming culture, he emphasizes it involves responsibilities of its own.

The Enrichment Data:

Political parties have varying approaches to the issue of immigrants adhering to dominant cultural values, especially in terms of democracy, freedom, and rule of law. For instance:

1. The AfD has a xenophobic and anti-immigration stance, often using emotional appeals and blaming immigrants for social frustrations. They advocate for strict border controls, asylum reductions, and deportations.
2. The Green Party has been accused of mimicking some of the AfD's xenophobic agitation to justify stricter policies. Critics say this approach misrepresents democratic rights and freedoms and undermines integration efforts.
3. The SPD focuses on immigrant integration, advocating for language acquisition, German history, and loyalty oaths to ensure immigrants understand and respect our values.
4. The Left Party values inclusiveness, advocating for immigrant rights and opposing repressive policies.
5. The CDU and CSU have been criticized for making pension policies and traditional values a priority, while not being as inclusive as they could be.

Moving forward, clear communication about immigrant expectations across all levels of society is crucial in ensuring integration and fostering a harmonious community.