Germany's Immigration Debate Intensifies Ahead of Elections**

As Germany faces a critical election on February 23, migration and public safety emerge as pivotal issues, with rising political tensions and communal divides exacerbated by recent violent incidents linked to asylum seekers.**

Alya made her way to Germany from Syria a decade ago with her baby son, Rami. Upon hearing about last week's tragic attack in Munich, which claimed the lives of a toddler and her mother, she was filled with anguish. "Why should someone do something like that? I can't understand it," she expressed in disbelief.

An Afghan man was arrested following the Munich attack—just the latest in a disturbing series of similar incidents across German cities involving asylum seekers. These attacks have revitalized discussions around security and immigration during a crucial election campaign, just days before citizens cast their votes on February 23.

Alya, who fled from the war in Syria, reflects on her journey and the challenges faced by many refugees, feeling disheartened over the violence attributed to newcomers in a country she believes has offered her and others much support. Rami, now ten, recalls a harrowing photograph of himself as a child, witnessing the stark contrast of his life ten years later. Alya, having trained in elderly care and remarried, remains grateful for the education and opportunities provided to her son, who dreams of becoming a doctor or a footballer.

The landscape of Germany has evolved significantly since the influx of 1.2 million asylum applications from 2015 to 2016. Back then, the atmosphere was one of warmth and acceptance, highlighted by the celebratory scenes at train stations as refugees landed in the nation. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel famously proclaimed, "We can manage this." However, public sentiment has shifted dramatically in the intervening years, leading to increased skepticism and calls for stricter immigration policies.

Residents like Georg, a lifelong Oberhausen local, express their apprehensions over radicalization and safety. He notes a noticeable decline in the quality of life in their community, attributing it to underinvestment and a burgeoning immigrant population. Oberhausen, once a thriving industrial city, has seen its demographic shift, with the percentage of residents either born outside Germany or with foreign ancestry climbing from 22% in 2010 to 37% in 2023.

This evolving situation is starkly visible within urban settings—where one might encounter counter-protests against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, who endorses controversial proposals like "remigration" which advocates for mass deportations. Confrontations ensue between opposing factions, illustrating the tensions embedded within German society over immigration policies.

Jörg Lange, an AfD local councilor, refutes allegations of racism in his party's rhetoric yet stands firm on his belief that if immigrants are unhappy, they should consider leaving. This viewpoint echoes sentiments among some citizens who feel the growing pressure for reform in immigration policies as the current government has put border controls back in place.

Reflecting on the environment, Kwame and Prathep, two locals of color, voice their frustrations about the divisive nature of the political climate they now navigate, asserting their identities as proud Germans who have built their lives in Oberhausen. Both lament how the societal discourse has changed for the worse, expressing a wish to bridge gaps rather than foster division.

As the election approaches, parties are taking varied stances on immigration, with conservative factions calling for robust border enforcement and the Social Democrats advocating for streamlined asylum processes. Alya's hope remains that Germany maintains its compassion for refugees requiring sanctuary amidst persistent global conflicts.

Ultimately, the outcome of the forthcoming election could significantly shape Germany's stance on migration, but signals of a rightward political shift are already visible as tensions continue to swell around immigration discussions.