Migration wave's impact: a blend of hope and hostility experienced in modern Germany
Berlin's Sonnenallee, once a symbol of the old Germany, has transformed over the last decade into a testament to the country's transformation. This shift was propelled by a significant event in 2015, when Chancellor Angela Merkel kept the Austria border open on Sep. 4, allowing over one million asylum seekers into Germany.
The majority of these newcomers hailed from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, fleeing civil wars that marked the largest wave of refugees since World War II. German volunteers welcomed these new arrivals with open arms, offering water and teddy bears.
However, ten years later, many complain that services have been stretched to breaking point. Around 44 percent of migrants receive social benefits, according to the Federal Employment Agency, a key vector fueling resentment.
Despite this, the migrant population has integrated into various sectors of German society. The most common occupations held by Syrians who immigrated in 2015 are predominantly in logistics and transportation, food service and hospitality, healthcare, construction, and social and cultural services.
Foreigners account for 15% of healthcare professionals in Germany, with the largest number coming from Syria. The country's 2,500 mosques have become more diverse, with Syrian imam Anas Abu Laban noting that Koranic classes are in both German and Arabic in his little mosque.
The integration process has not been without challenges. Unemployment remains a significant issue, with migrants being four times more likely to be jobless than the rest of the population. Last year, the unemployment rate among migrants stood at 28 percent.
However, progress has been made. Nearly two-thirds of refugees who came in the 2015 wave had jobs by 2022, according to the latest data from the Institute for Employment Research (IAB). This is a testament to the resilience and determination of the migrant population.
Yet, the integration process has not been without controversy. The AfD party now calls for the "remigration" of millions of foreigners, reflecting a growing sentiment of discontent among some sections of the population.
Despite these challenges, the migrant population continues to contribute to German society in significant ways. Moustafa Mohmmad, a barber from Syria, finds Sonnenallee a home from home, while Syrian computer science student Saeed Saeed, 25, despite feeling "unwanted in this country" at a protest in front of the Reichstag this summer, is a reminder of the complexities and nuances of the migration experience in Germany.
In the end, the migration influx of 2015 has left an indelible mark on Germany, transforming its landscape, culture, and society. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by this demographic shift, it serves as a reminder of the power of human resilience and the potential for change.
