Integration monitor is a daily Latvian press digest on ethnic minority and society integration issues. The Monitor reviews the biggest Latvian dailies: Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga (in Latvian language), Vesti Segodnya (in Russian language). In specific cases other information sources are used. Latvian Centre for Human Rights is not responsible for information published by the media.

• Saeima forwarded the draft law on expulsion of the MP Valerijs Kravcovs from the Saeima to the Committee on Mandates, Ethics and Submissions
• Saeima refused the draft amendments to the Immigration Law which would abolish the provision on granting residence permits to investors
• Number of foreigners residing in Latvia in 2010 increased
• 51 persons asked for asylum in Latvia in 2010
• Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues ofthe U.S. State Department Douglas Davidson
• Lawyer Andris Grutups: Latvia does not owe to the Jewish community compensation for lost properties

The Saeima forwarded the draft law prepared by the nationalists union All for Latvia!-For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM on expulsion of the MP Valerijs Kravcovs (Concord Centre) from the Saeima to the Mandates, Ethics and Submissions Committee. As reported, Mr. Kravcovs is criticized for poor Latvian language proficiency. Telegraf, Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Latvijas Avize, Diena, Neatkariga

The Saeima refused the draft amendments to the Immigration Law prepared by the nationalists union All for Latvia!-For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM which would abolish the provision on granting residence permits to foreign investors. Telegraf, Vesti Segodnya

According to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, number of foreigners residing in Latvia increased by 10% during 2010. In total, there were 55,320 foreigners with Latvian residence permits in 2010. The majority of foreigners are citizens of Russia – 36,638 persons, Lithuania – 3,754, Ukraine – 3,198, Belarus – 2,035, and Germany – 1,174. Telegraf, Chas

According to the State Border Guard, 51 persons asked for asylum in Latvia in 2010. During 2009, 36 persons asked for asylum. The majority of asylum seekers are from Afghanistan. Diena

Latvijas Avize prints an interview with the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues ofthe U.S. State Department Douglas Davidson who arrived to Latvia with three days visit. According to Mr. Davidson, the main aim of his visit to Latvia was not to push Latvia to pay the Jewish community compensation for lost properties during the Holocaust, but to get acquainted with situation regarding the Holocaust unsolved issues and to talk about restitution of Jewish Communitys properties. Mr. Davidson believes that conversations with Latvian politicians showed that they are opened to discussion.

Well known lawyer Andris Grutups in an interview with Neatkariga states that Latvia does not owe to the Jewish community compensation for lost properties during the Holocaust because all owners of the real estate and their descendants are dead.