On Assignment Europe’s migration crisis a decade later
Sep 20, 2025
A decade after the migration surge, the conversation delves into the transformative effects on German towns like Altena. Personal stories of hope highlight successful integrations, like a former refugee becoming a nurse. However, undercurrents of anti-immigration sentiment have surfaced, revealing a complex societal struggle. The discussion contrasts past solidarity in places like Lesbos with today's harsher immigration policies and challenges. This nuanced exploration of migration's impact invites reflection on community resilience and political shifts.
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Personal Arrival And Welcome In Germany
- Riham Alkousaa describes arriving in Germany with $400 and immediately feeling welcomed into Berlin's cultural life.
- She credits personal friendships and hospitality for helping her build a career, home, and bring her family to Germany.
Small-Town Integration Experiment
- Altena invited 100 refugees in 2015 to fill vacant homes and test community-led integration.
- By 2024 roughly half remained while others moved to cities or returned home, showing mixed long-term outcomes.
Migration As A Demographic Fix
- Altena faced population decline and closed schools before offering homes to refugees to revive the town.
- The town used voluntary resettlement as a pragmatic strategy to sustain services and local economy.