Introduction

Historically, France and Germany have adopted different approaches to immigration. France has welcomed large numbers of immigrants since the second half of the nineteenth century, whereas Germany has consistently refused to recognise itself officially as a country of immigration. Yet, despite this divergence, the two countries are increasingly co-operating on immigration, a process that culminated in the Schengen agreements of 1985 and 1990. This increased co-operation reflects a broader development in German and French immigration policy-although this process is still underway, it is possible to speak of an emerging convergence in the two countries.