The intangible of racism may play the most significant role, he said. For example, if they wanted to start a business, they think it's much easier to get financing if they were in America than here in Germany. Here, they do not get the same treatment. It's not overt racism. There is an assumption that even if you have a very good education, it still does not help.
Polls indicate as many as two-thirds of the people want fewer immigrants.
But Schroeder continues to push his plan to bring in more skilled foreigners, and may even try to change current rules so that workers will be entitled to stay in Germany after five years, rather than having to leave. Already, that is how the state of Bavaria is handling its recruitment of foreign professionals. If this job ends after three years, he has to go home. If it ends after eight years or 12 years, then he has to go home then. Greater flexibility throughout Germany might make the program more attractive, both to professionals and their potential employers.