From Welcome to Transformation: A Decade of Change in Germany’s Refugee Response

When Anas Modamani thinks back to his journey from Syria to Germany, he realizes how dangerous it was. He remembers the countless lives lost and how overcrowded the boats were. Modamani, who fled Syria in 2015 at just 17, now calls Berlin home. He holds a passport and works in IT, creating content for his thousands of followers on TikTok.

Modamani’s face became famous when he took a selfie with then-Chancellor Angela Merkel soon after arriving in Germany. This was a pivotal moment during Europe’s refugee crisis, which saw a surge of people seeking safety from war and poverty.

This week marks a decade since Merkel’s bold decision to open Germany’s borders to migrants. Her proclamation of “Wir schaffen das” (“We can do this”) became a rallying cry for those advocating for a welcoming attitude towards refugees.

Many people remember the images of migrants walking long highways, carrying their belongings. Those visuals still resonate in political conversations today. Germany, once known for its welcome culture, is now grappling with rising anti-immigration sentiments and a right-wing political surge, with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party capitalizing on these sentiments.

In recent years, Merkel’s successors have faced immense pressure. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has introduced stricter immigration policies, even deploying more border guards and attempting to turn away asylum seekers, although a court recently deemed such measures unlawful.

Contrasting recent historical trends, in the years following the crisis, over 2.6 million asylum requests were filed in Germany from various countries. Syrians, Afghans, and Iraqis made up a large portion of these applications, with the number peaking in 2015 and 2016. However, reports show that interest in seeking asylum dropped significantly in subsequent years, only to spike again after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Experts like Daniel Thym, a law professor, highlight the unpreparedness of the German government for the flood of migrants. They had previously managed only about 40,000 asylum requests annually before 2015. Both Thym and political science professor Hannes Schammann believe Merkel’s decision to accept refugees was influenced by a lack of alternatives and other European nations’ hesitance to help.

Surveys illustrate how public sentiment has shifted over the decade. A survey from ARD in July 2015 indicated that only 38% of Germans wanted to accept fewer refugees. Fast forward to 2023, and that number has risen to 68%. Modamani also acknowledges the change in German attitudes, expressing concern that many now wish to deport refugees back to their home countries.

The initial welcome largely faded after the Cologne incidents in 2015 and 2016, which shifted the public’s perception of migrants. Many Germans began to fear an influx of crime associated with newcomers, leading to rising support for the AfD.

Looking ahead, Modamani is uncertain about his future in Germany. He fears that if attitudes continue to shift negatively, he may seek a new home where he feels accepted and secure. The journey he undertook was fraught with peril, and he wouldn’t wish such a path upon anyone. “If the situation in Germany worsens, I don’t want to stay here,” he said, highlighting the uncertainty he faces in what was once a land of refuge.

For more insights on migration and asylum policies in Germany, consider visiting the [Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)](https://www.bamf.de/EN/Startseite/startseite-node.html).

Source link