BERLIN – A newly released national opinion poll indicates a profound shift in German public attitudes toward immigration, with a majority of respondents now supporting a halt to new immigration and expanded deportations after more than a decade of high migration levels.
According to the poll, 81 percent of Germans say illegal immigration over the past ten years was either “far too high” or “rather too high.” Only 5 percent of respondents described immigration levels as appropriate. A further 75 percent said illegal migration has been bad for Germany, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the country’s migration and asylum policies.
The findings mark a dramatic reversal from the political and social climate that prevailed in 2015, when Angela Merkel and her Christian Democratic Union government opened Germany’s borders to more than one million asylum seekers, many fleeing war and instability in the Middle East and Africa. At the time, the policy was framed as a moral and humanitarian obligation and became known internationally as Germany’s “welcome culture.”
Nearly a decade later, public sentiment has shifted sharply. The poll found that 53 percent of respondents now favor a total moratorium on new immigration and support the return of large numbers of migrants to their countries of origin. On the political right, this approach is often described as “remigration,” a term that has entered mainstream debate as voters demand tougher enforcement of existing laws.
German media reporting on the poll notes that concerns about integration, housing shortages, pressure on social services, and public safety have driven the change in attitudes. High-profile violent crimes involving asylum seekers, combined with overcrowded shelters and strained municipal budgets, have intensified scrutiny of federal migration policy.
The German Interior Ministry has acknowledged growing challenges. In recent statements, officials have pointed to record asylum applications in recent years and warned that local governments are reaching the limits of their capacity. Municipal leaders across Germany have repeatedly called for relief, citing shortages of housing, school places, and social workers.
While the federal government maintains that Germany remains committed to its international obligations, senior politicians have signaled a harder line. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said earlier this year that Germany “must deport more people faster” when asylum claims are rejected, a statement widely reported by German and international media.
For Germany’s Jewish community, the shift in public opinion is being closely watched. Jewish organizations have raised concerns in recent years about rising antisemitism, including incidents linked to radicalized migrants and extremist networks. The Federal Association of Departments for Research and Information on Antisemitism has documented a significant increase in antisemitic incidents since 2015, particularly following major conflicts involving Israel.
At the same time, Jewish leaders have emphasized the need for responsible debate. They have warned against collective blame while urging the government to enforce the law and ensure that migration policy does not undermine public safety or social cohesion.
Political analysts say the poll presents a serious challenge for Germany’s governing coalition. Public opinion appears increasingly disconnected from the assumptions that guided policy during the height of the refugee crisis. Voters across the political spectrum are demanding stricter controls, faster deportations of those without legal status, and a reassessment of Germany’s long-standing approach to asylum.
The results also carry broader implications for Europe. Germany has long shaped European Union migration policy, and a sustained shift in German public opinion could accelerate similar debates in neighboring countries already grappling with border pressures and domestic political backlash.
For many Germans, the poll reflects a simple conclusion. After years of large-scale immigration and contested integration outcomes, patience has worn thin. The welcome culture that once defined Germany’s moral leadership is now being replaced by a demand for limits, enforcement, and accountability.
As Berlin’s political class debates next steps, the message from the public is increasingly clear. Immigration policy is no longer an abstract moral question for many voters. It is a central issue shaping trust in government and the future direction of the country.
