Changing approaches to immigration and diversity in the context of the current refugee-influx to Germany and Turkey

During the current refugee influx ('refugee crisis') that has been unfolding approximately since 2011, Germany and Turkey have surfaced as key host countries. The refugee influx has triggered fundamental debates about the societies' self-understanding, including the question how much and what kind of diversity they deem tolerable and how they seek to incorporate minorities in the long-term. This research maps dominant responses to the refugee influx in Germany and Turkey, analyses to what extent they are in line with previous migration regimes and compares and contrasts the two case studies. It builds a framework for analysis by conducting a literature review on modes of immigrant incorporation and a review of the main immigration experiences and policy responses of the past. Subsequently, this research analyses today's responses by using different indicators for political decision-making and public opinion. Ultimately, it provides evidence to suggest that both countries' responses to the refugee influx are somewhat of a continuation of principles that have played a role in the past – most notably the assimilationist idea that refugees have to adapt to a homogenous 'core society'. Yet, it also presents evidence that the influx has led to new sentiments and approaches, such as an increasingly prevalent belief that the burden for assimilation does not entirely lie with the immigrants. Overall, this research outlines the direction in which Germany and Turkey are currently heading – which is all the more important considering that both countries had started to overhaul their migration policies at the time of the influx. Key words: refugee influx, refugee crisis, diversity, immigrant incorporation, migration policy-making