D-A-S-H Dossier #1: Why freedom of movement?

The first D-A-S-H dosser presents debates, events and projects that deal with the so-called Residenzpflicht, while exploring methods of media communication and networking. The legal residency restrictions for asylum seekers are a flagrant abuse of their right to freedom of movement. Throughout the duration of the asylum proceedings, which often last for months and sometimes for years, they may only leave the district in which they are registered with an »Ausnahmegenehmigung« (special permit). Plans are currently in the pipeline for extending the residency restrictions to other groups of people, like civil war refugees and people who, for humanitarian reasons, are not deported. At the same time, the counter-movement is strengthening. Within the past year, an ever-increasing number of self-organized refugee associations and youth groups have been organizing a variety of activities and events against the residency restrictions, sometimes taking advantage of possibilities offered by the internet. Some of these activities will be presented in this newsletter under the heading, D-A-S-H notes. In addition, the young journalist, Anke Schwarzer (a freelance journalist for the Frankfurter Rundschau, among other papers), has contributed an introduction to the issue, an overview of the activities up to now and a look at current legislative plans.

Next article: What is Residenzpflicht?