The Global Story From welcome to wary: Europe's divide on migration
Feb 20, 2025
Jess Parker, BBC's Berlin correspondent, sheds light on Germany's shifting stance on migration since the 2015 crisis, highlighting a Syrian family's struggles with integration amidst rising far-right sentiments. Mark Lowen, a former Southern Europe correspondent, discusses newly established migration routes and the political fallout in Italy. They explore the divided views across Europe on migration policy, the challenges of identity politics, and the lasting impact of the migrant experience in shaping public sentiment.
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Migration as a Key Issue
- In Germany, migration is a major election issue, alongside the economy and cost of living.
- Recent attacks by asylum seekers have shifted the discussion to public safety.
Alia and Rami's Story
- Alia and Rami, a Syrian refugee family, arrived in Germany in 2015 when Rami was a baby.
- They now live in Germany, where Alia remarried and had another child, though she has faced job discrimination due to her hijab.
Oberhausen's Changing Demographics
- Oberhausen has seen a significant increase in its migrant population since 2010.
- Tensions are high, with some residents expressing anti-immigrant sentiment and even racist remarks.