The German ‘Willkommenskultur’ or welcome culture that characterized the nation’s open-door policy to refugees and migrants just a few years ago has dramatically shifted. In recent times, Europe’s most powerful nation has succumb to the pressures and sentiments of far-right ideologies, causing historic changes in its immigration policy. In its place, a more stringent and controlled approach has been enforced with tighter border control being a central feature of this new direction.
Over the last decade, the refugee crisis has compelled many European countries to adjust their immigration policies, consequently giving rise to various political sentiments in regard to the influx of immigrants. For Germany, a country recognised for its compassionate and tolerant attitude toward migrants, this signified the beginning of a new era. German chancellor, Angela Merkel, espoused the concept of Willkommenskultur when she famously stated, Wir schaffen das (we can do it) in response to the refugee crisis. This declaration was a signal to the world that Germany was ready to shoulder its share of the global responsibility for displaced persons.
However, the escalating number of migrants spurred the rise of far-right ideologies, fuelling a critical shift in public opinion. The public sentiment that once applauded Merkel’s bold humanitarian stance started to erode over time. Consequently, the previous welcoming culture has become overshadowed by concerns of national security, integrity, and identity. The far-right political movement, led by the Alternative for Germany (AfD), capitalized on these sentiments by consistently pushing an anti-immigration agenda. In response to the heightening outcry, the German government bowed to the pressure and undertook a major reversal in its immigration policy.
The new policy now focuses primarily on tightening the borders. Strict controls have been put in place to monitor and reduce the entry of migrants and refugees. As part of this new directive, border authorities are enforcing stringent checks on asylum seekers, refugees, and undocumented migrants. Additionally, deportations have swiftly and significantly increased, targeting failed asylum seekers and individuals whose asylum requests were denied.
The tightened control at the borders has been coupled with stricter immigration laws. The German government has enacted several laws and implemented several measures to restrict immigration effectively. These include the controversial ‘Asylum Package II’, which tightens laws for asylum seekers, and the implementation of the ‘Safe Countries of Origin’ concept to reduce the number of unwarranted asylum applications.
The tightening of Germany’s borders and the stringent immigration policies signify the sway of the far-right ideologies that have taken hold in the political landscape. Consequently, this shift indicates a profound change in the nation’s welcoming culture. The era of unrestricted Willkommenskultur seems to have found its end, making way for a more conservative stance that is not limited to the far-right spectrum but appears to have permeated the mainstream politics.
Nevertheless, while the government’s decision to yield to the far-right’s pressure may comfort those concerned with national security and identity, it raises moral and ethical questions. One major point of contention is the collateral damage in the form of human rights violations against migrants and refugees. As the German government responds to conservative pressure by fortifying its borders, it risks forgetting its humanitarian commitment to provide shelter to those in dire need.
Overall, the decision to tighten borders and immigration policies speaks volumes about the shifting dynamics of German society and politics. How Germany will navigate this challenge, balance the national sentiment with humanitarian principles, and redefine its identity in the face of changing demographic realities remains to be seen.
