Germany: From Emigration to Immigration Destination
Germany fears uncontrolled immigration, but millions of Germans once emigrated in search of better lives.
In the 18th century, Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, expressed concerns that immigrants would establish their language and customs, excluding others. Franklin himself helped write the American Declaration of Independence, which emphasizes the pursuit of happiness and better life for many. However, the number of Germans who emigrated to America during Franklin's lifetime was relatively small, only about 150,000 by 1820.
These emigrants were often enticed by fellow countrymen who exaggerated their success in America, as recruiters received commissions for each migrant. The journey was perilous, with passengers packed tightly below deck, suffering from various diseases, and some perishing at sea.
Upon arrival in America, many immigrants were essentially sold into bonded labor to pay their passage. Families were forced to sell their belongings and children to afford the costly voyage. In Russia, Catherine the Great, a German princess, invited Germans to settle in her country in the 18th century, offering free transport, land, tax-free periods, schooling, and exemptions from military service. However, this offer was partly a response to German emigration to America.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, millions of Germans emigrated, primarily to the United States, in response to failed harvests, famines, and a lack of prospects. By the mid-20th century, Europe shifted from being an emigration continent to an immigration one. During the 1950s and 60s, West Germany experienced a surge in guest workers, attracted by job opportunities in the country's burgeoning economy.
By 1973, approximately 14 million people had arrived as guest workers, with around 3 million settling permanently. Despite this influx, Germany remained reluctant to view itself as an immigration country.
Currently, over 30% of Germany's population has a migrant background, but many third- and fourth-generation citizens still struggle to feel a sense of belonging. Germany currently seeks skilled workers but grants asylum based on political persecution or war, differentiating between various nationalities based on perceived threat levels.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
