Are We Achieving It, Or Not? (German original: Wir Schaffen Das, Or Not?)

In recent years, Germany has been grappling with the issue of mass migration, a challenge that has significantly shaped its political landscape and societal fabric.

Currently, the Christian Democrats, who are in power, have been making efforts to curb the flow of asylum seekers. Their initiatives have shown promising results, with asylum claims almost halved since last year.

This reduction in claims comes after Germany welcomed over 1.2 million asylum seekers in 2015 and 2016, a period marked by Chancellor Angela Merkel's open-borders policy. This influx was primarily from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Eritrea, and Nigeria.

Merkel, defiant in the face of criticism, remains unapologetic about the migrant crisis, despite the suffering it has caused to Germany and its citizens. Notably, in 2015, she famously declared, "Wir schaffen das." or "we can do it."

However, a 2020 study revealed a concerning language barrier issue, with only 54% of male refugees able to speak German at an adequate level, and the number being much worse for women, at just 34%.

The majority of the budget allocated for "refugee-related expenses" is spent on social benefits, including housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and a monthly personal allowance. In 2023, this budget amounted to €30 billion.

The influx of asylum seekers has led to a significant demographic shift, with the largest group of asylum seekers being men between the ages of 18 and 34.

The issue of migration has been a contentious one in Germany, with 78% of Germans believing that immigrants place a burden on the welfare state, and 73% expressing concerns about immigration leading to conflict between nationals and newcomers.

Foreign nationals are suspects in 35% of all crimes, and they account for more than 43% of registered violent crimes such as assault, murder, or robbery, despite making up only 15% of the population.

Recent polls show that the Alternative for Germany, a party that promises to take immigration seriously, has become the most popular, with 26% support. This shift in public opinion suggests a growing concern about the impact of migration on the country.

Despite the financial burden, foreign nationals in Germany earn significantly less than Germans, making it unlikely that the country will ever recoup the estimated €5800 billion cost.

Stories like that of a group of three male asylum seekers from Pakistan, who gave up good jobs in Karachi to claim asylum in Germany, highlight the complexities and controversies surrounding migration.

As of now, the acceptance rate for asylum applications remains high, with the majority of applications being approved, a rate higher than many other EU nations. However, the integration of these newcomers into German society remains a significant challenge.

In conclusion, Germany's migration crisis is a multifaceted issue, with economic, social, and political implications. As the country continues to grapple with this challenge, it is crucial to address the language barriers, integration issues, and concerns about crime and welfare costs.