Public Attitudes Towards Legal Immigrants: A Comparative Analysis Between France and Germany

Abstract

The paper brings the argument of public opinion on legal immigrants in Europe with the reference of two countries, Germany and France. The both countries experienced a strong international immigrant character for a long period. For instance, Germany introduced the integration policy in 1870, where as France in 1880. The main data source for this study is the Eurobarometer Survey 59.2, conducted in 2003 by European Opinion Research Group. The survey sampled the opinions of the general population in 16 European countries with the four key questions; question asks if the individual agrees or disagrees with the statement: these are ;a) legal immigrants may have exactly the same rights as the nationality; b) legal immigrants may have the right to vote in local elections; c) this country may do more to help legal immigrants integrate into national society; and d) legal immigrants may be allowed to bring their spouse and children. The findings of the study are that the both countries' views are same towards legal immigrants. None of the two countries is liberal in view of accepting immigrants.