Germany's shifting role from a country of emigration to immigration

The debate over migration in Germany is currently dominated by fears of uncontrolled influxes and concerns regarding the integration of refugees and asylum seekers. While populist groups like the Alternative for Germany (AfD) express concerns that newcomers may not adopt local language or customs, historical perspectives suggest a different narrative.

Historian and migration scholar Jochen Oltmer notes that migration is a normal human condition rather than a modern phenomenon. Historically, Germany was a country of emigration; for example, by 1820, approximately 150,000 Germans had emigrated to America in search of better lives, driven by similar factors such as poverty, political oppression, or the search for prosperity.