German Migration Policy under Scrutiny in Wake of New Year’s Eve Attacks

Over 500 victims have reported allegations of sexual assault, groping, and theft taking place in Cologne, Germany, on New Year’s Eve, forcing German Chancellor Angela Merkel to take a tougher stance on migration. Germany has welcomed more migrants and refugees than any other nation in Western Europe, accepting over one million refugees in 2015, but the government is turning away more migrants wishing to get in from the southern border.

Over 500 victims have reported allegations of sexual assault, groping, and theft taking place in Cologne, Germany, on New Year’s Eve, forcing German Chancellor Angela Merkel to take a tougher stance on migration. Germany has welcomed more migrants and refugees than any other nation in Western Europe, accepting over one million refugees in 2015, but the government is turning away more migrants wishing to get in from the southern border.

Arrivals from North Africa and the Middle East face backlash as criminal elements within the community tarnish the overall image of people who fled violence and civil strife in their home countries. So far, the nationalities of the suspects include Iranians, Syrians, Moroccans, Germans, and an American citizen, but people from other backgrounds have been identified, and investigations are ongoing.

Merkel has issued various proposals, such as deporting migrants who commit crimes and reducing migration flow, but with so many arrivals already in the country, the chancellor will have a tougher time convincing the public that more migrant workers are essential for the nation’s economy. She has ridden a wave of popularity for turning Germany into the strongest economy in the European Union, but her migrant policy may spell the downfall of her party as public outrage grows.

Critic Objections

Some critics note that migration will give the business community a cheaper labor source, while placing a financial strain on local townships that struggle to house their abundance of residents. Moreover, the government has received criticism for failing to see the long-term ramifications of accepting a mass group of people in such a short time frame, as migrants need time to learn German and gain the necessary skills for entering the job market.

Many fear that street gangs and members of organized crime could recruit the migrants, most of who are young men, if they cannot find work. With that, the government has failed to drive home that incoming migrants will become essential to the fabric of the economy as more Germans retire, and new workers are key to funding social programs for the retired population.

Assimilation Issues

Analysts note that Germany’s labor pool will shrink 15 percent by 2050 and will need at least 500,000 new arrivals annually until that year to maintain a strong workforce. The German government has accepted guest workers for decades to sustain the economy—mostly Turkish workers employed in the manufacturing sector, note AFP.

The problem is that Turks and other ethnic groups found themselves ostracized from society after many of them decided to stay in Germany, living in isolated ghettos. The chance of a largely non-assimilated migrant population seems greater in light of the recent attacks, and some Germans who were supportive of migration begin to have doubts.

Political Consequences

Germany is in the best position in the EU to accept a tidal wave of new immigrants, but Merkel finds herself in the crosshairs of far-right groups that are gaining popularity. Extreme right group PEGIDA staged an unruly protest, forcing police to disperse the mob with water cannons, and a far-left group of women staged demonstrations where the attacks occurred.

The rightist Alternative Path for Germany has gained traction in the polls, criticizing Merkel’s Christian Democrats for their welcoming attitude toward migrants, even though some party members urged her to lower the number of people flowing into the country. So far, Germany has issued no official cap on refugees and migrants, but legal experts warn that a cap could be illegal under EU refugee laws.