Immigration newsletter 13 Jul 2005

Two European countries this week made the immigration headlines, with changes to their immigration policies likely in the future. An opinion piece pointed out that Germany's immigration policy could become a focus in Germany's upcoming elections, and that with the lowest birthrate in all of Europe, Germany will have to change its policies. France, meanwhile, has established a commission to make recommendations on how the country should change its immigration policies. It is possible that France will switch to a points-based immigration system, according to the article.

A recent poll around the world found opinions on the best places in the world for young people to immigrate to. British citizens recommended Australia, while Americans chose Canada. Indians preferred the United States.

Mike Lynch, the UK's first Internet billionaire, has spoken out against the UK's immigration system, echoing Bill Gates' criticism of US policies a few months ago. Lynch said that technology is about cooperation, and that other countries' "best and brightest" should be allowed to freely work in the UK's IT industry.