Green Card. Over and out.

Does anyone remember the German Green Card Programme?

If you are a specialist in information and telecommunications technology, there could be a job waiting for you in Germany. Programmers and engineers from outside the European Union may be eligible for special work permits valid for up to five years.

So far, so good. Noticed something? "... valid for up to five years" - five years, and not one day longer.
The government's plan to push through a new immigration law which would have allowed green card holders to extend their stay in Germany and eventually obtain permanent residency failed. This means little to no incentive for current green card holders to continue to contribute to the German economy. Many are expected to be packing up their bags soon.
Funny enough, Indonesian Harianto Wijaya, who was the first to arrive in Germany under the programme in 2001, will soon be working in the U.S.A., even though he even mangaged to finish his Ph.D. while living and working in Germany. Why? Lack of perspective.
This is what people mean when they talk about the Old Europe. This is why we are falling behind. While we talk and talk and talk, others are fast in making decisions. While we plan and plan and plan, others are busy attracting new businesses, creating new jobs, and growing the economy.