Migrant trainees face exit as attitudes harden in Austria

PABNEUKIRCHEN, Austria - In a small town in northern Austria, Sylvia Hochstoeger never imagined she would become the figurehead for a protest movement.

But it was the threat of expulsion hanging over Shafi, an Afghan apprentice training at her business, which forced her to fight against an "absurd" situation.

"They tell you that integration is the most important thing, that you have to show that you're integrated. Shafi's done that. He's learned German, he's found a job and he's developed a good social setting," she said.