Demographic developments are leading to an ageing of the German population coupled with a shortage of skilled workers in all areas of the German economy. This calls for a long-term immigration programme. Young families with children from other European countries should move to Germany. In addition, a green card procedure should enable graduates of universities from abroad who are not more than 30 years old to move to Germany with a work permit if they can prove they have a job. The public need test for positions to be predominantly filled by German citizens will be applicable if the German unemployment rate is below 6 percent and full employment can therefore be assumed.