The local dimension of immigrant communities in Germany. The case of Italians in Cologne

The local dimension of migration and integration patterns of Italians, and obviously also of other nationalities, plays an important role in identifying the problems and opportunities linked to these processes. The city of Cologne is home to one of the most numerous Italian communities (more than 20,000) in Germany. A first part focuses on the formation and regional distribution of the Italian community. The educational system and the labour market are important dimensions regarding the integration of immigrants in the local society and are chosen for a statistical analysis of the situation of Italians in Cologne. In comparison to other nationalities, Italians continue to under perform in the school system of Cologne. The restructuring of the economy of Cologne during the last decades, as in many other industrial areas of Germany, let to an important decrease of employment opportunities in the Fordist production sector to the detriment of the average low qualified Italian guest worker. The article concludes with a plea for continuous efforts towards the integration of (Italian) immigrants in the local society, its educational system, the labour market, involving the local administration, the German population and the immigrants.