A South African immigrant living in a small town in Germany shares her experience attending integration classes as part of the country’s new policy tightening its borders. The classes, held at the local Volkshochschule, aim to help immigrants learn German and understand the culture to better integrate into society. The recent border clampdown has sparked conversations among Germans about the refugee crisis and resulted in sentiments of exclusion towards immigrants.
The coalition government’s decision to tighten borders in response to far-right sentiments has raised concerns about sacrificing Germany’s values of compassion, inclusiveness, and solidarity. The rise of racism and anti-immigrant rhetoric threatens these ideals and puts vulnerable migrants at risk. Despite challenges, the commitment of German teachers and administrators to support migrants’ integration efforts remains strong.
Immigrants, including refugees from Syria and Ukraine, as well as other non-EU immigrants like the author, face consequences for not passing language tests or completing integration courses. The author highlights the importance of promoting freedom, equality, tolerance, and multiculturalism in German society, while emphasizing the need for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to immigration.
As Germany navigates this critical moment, the author questions the country’s values and asks what kind of society Germans want to live in. The recent rise of hate crimes, such as defacing a church with a swastika, underscores the urgent need to address concerns around immigration through dialogue, data, and collective expertise rather than exclusionary policies. Germany’s response to the refugee crisis not only impacts its economy but also risks compromising its core values.
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