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Abstract
The article presents a critical analysis of the German debate about the integration of migrants. An assimilationist concept of integration is dominating German migration research. It assumes that integration must be assimilation because integration into social structure (equality of opportunities) is not compatible with socio-cultural pluralism (theorem of incompatibility). The example of the classical immigration country Canada proves that the theorem of incompatibility is a false generalization, and that intercultural integration based on the Canadian principle of unity-within-diversity is a humane middle course between assimilation and segregation. The concept of unity-within-diversity is seeking an adequate balance between the needs of social cohesion and the interests of the majority in their core values being respected on the one hand, and the interests of the ethnic minorities in socio-cultural differences on the other hand. The Canadian example also shows that political and social efforts are necessary to minimize ethnic inequalities (ethnic diversity mainstreaming).[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]