Concerns in Germany Over Potential New Wave of Immigration
Many Germans are worried about their country’s capacity to handle an influx of illegal immigrants from the Middle East, particularly as tensions in Iran escalate. According to a recent Forsa survey, about 73 percent of the population expresses apprehension regarding the acceptance of more Iranian immigrants. Currently, Germany is home to the largest Iranian community in Europe, totaling around 319,000 individuals.
The survey indicates that 80 percent of supporters from the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) coalition share fears that an increase in immigration could overwhelm public services. This sentiment is even more pronounced among voters of the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, where concern rises to 98%. Surprisingly, even 63 percent of those leaning towards the left-wing Social Democratic Party show similar worries about additional migrants.
On the flip side, the only group showing a majority without concerns are supporters of the far-left Green Party, who seem less worried about more Iranian immigrants entering Germany.
This situation comes on the heels of Germany’s struggle with the aftermath of the last migration crisis, which began in 2015 when then-Chancellor Angela Merkel made a controversial decision to open the borders to migrants fleeing conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. In just one year, about 1 million immigrants arrived in Germany, significantly straining public resources and altering the fabric of society. Currently, more than 16 million people in Germany are foreign-born, highlighting the extensive impact of this migration wave.
As Europe grapples with its approach to immigration, there appears to be a shift in attitudes towards mass immigration and deportations. This month’s discussions in Berlin have sparked tension among political circles, particularly with members of Germany’s centre-right parties cooperating with the AfD in passing new immigration restrictions aimed at overhauling deportation strategies.
In a significant turn of events, both the AfD and other populist factions, along with centrist parties, voted in favor of tighter immigration controls, highlighting a notable political realignment. The final vote showed a significant majority supporting these measures.
Mary Kahn, an MP from AfD, noted that this outcome reflects a growing demand for a fundamental change in immigration policy, asserting that there is a stable majority across Europe that backs this direction despite media scrutiny.
Concerns about migration aren’t limited to Germany, as EU leaders are also worried about potential surges in migration from other regions. Ursula von der Leyen, the EU Commission President, recently reached out to member states, urging the use of all immigration-related resources to manage the situation effectively. She particularly highlighted the brewing crises in hotspots like Libya, where about a million migrants are currently located, many of whom may seek to migrate to Europe.
