German President Johannes Rau signed into law Thursday an immigration bill aimed at attracting high-tech experts to boost this country’s stagnant industrial sector. Conservative opponents immediately said they would launch a constitutional challenge.
The long-contemplated and much-revised immigration law had been languishing on Rau’s desk since March 22, when it squeaked by the upper house of parliament in a close and controversial vote. Rau spent the past three months seeking legal advice on the bill’s constitutionality — and deciding the proper moment to make his call on legislation that promises to infuse more strife into the current federal election campaign.
If the law survives the challenge, it would take effect Jan. 1, consolidating decades of legislation into a single code aimed at easing visa and residency procedures for those who could bring needed abilities and entrepreneurial skills. It also provides for German language instruction for foreign residents.
