Migration is a significant topic in Germany, characterized by public debate surrounding immigration. Over the past two centuries, millions of Germans have emigrated in search of improved living conditions. Historical commentary from Benjamin Franklin reflects similar sentiments about immigrants that are echoed in contemporary discussions. Franklin, a Founding Father of the United States, expressed concerns about the integration of German emigrants in the 18th century.
By 1820, approximately 150,000 Germans had emigrated to America, often motivated by stories of success from those who had already settled there. Simone Blaschka from the German Emigration Center in Bremerhaven noted that the cost of crossing the Atlantic was equivalent to a tradesman's annual earnings, leading families to sell their possessions to afford the journey. Many emigrants faced harsh conditions during the voyage, with accounts of illness and suffering documented by contemporaries like Gottlieb Mittelberger. Upon arrival, many were sold as bonded laborers, with contracts often separating families.
Simultaneously, a wave of emigration occurred toward Russia, initiated by Catherine the Great, who offered incentives for Germans to settle in uninhabited regions. In the 19th century, the American continent regained popularity as a destination for German emigrants, with around 6 million leaving due to economic hardships and failed harvests.
Between the early 19th century and World War I, around 60 million Europeans emigrated. However, the mid-20th century marked a shift as Europe transitioned from a continent of emigration to one of immigration. In the 1950s and 1960s, West Germany welcomed millions of 'guest workers' from various countries, with around 14 million arriving before a recruitment ban in 1973.
Despite this influx, Germany did not identify as an immigration country for a long time. By 2025, over 30% of Germany's population is projected to have a migrant background, yet many descendants of migrants still feel a lack of belonging. Currently, Germany seeks to attract skilled workers, but asylum is primarily granted to those fleeing political persecution or war.
Migration researcher Jochen Oltmer highlighted discrepancies in the acceptance of migrants based on nationality, particularly during the 2015 refugee crisis. He noted that asylum seekers represent only 10% of immigration, indicating a distortion in public perception regarding migrants. Integration remains a challenge in Germany, with many migrants unable to regularize their status despite long-term residency. Oltmer emphasized the need for an open discussion about the future of German society regarding migration.