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Jacquelynn M. Ayton
Professor Beshimov
GST 6320
22 November 2014
Asylum-Seekers: Why is Refugee Immigration to Germany on the Rise?
The main focus of this paper is to analyze why so many asylum-seekers are choosing
Germany over other developed nations as their ultimate destinations. According to the
European Commission’s Eurostat, “Asylum is a form of international protection given by a
state on its territory. It is granted to a person who is unable to seek protection in his/her
country of citizenship and/or residence, in particular for fear of being persecuted for reasons
of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.”
With tens of millions of people throughout the world who are seeking asylum or deemed
refugees (UNHCR), Germany has become the number one destination in the West for these
displaced persons (“Graphics: Europe’s Asylum Seekers”). This trend could be due to
Germany’s booming economy, favorable worldview, flexibility concerning immigration, or a
combination of the three. Whatever the reasoning, it is clear that Germany is the industrialized
country most applied to for asylum-seekers.
This research paper is meant to analyze the current situation concerning asylum
applicants and propose why it could be the case that Germany is at the top compared to other
industrialized nations for these applicants. The structure of this paper begins with an
explanation of the methodology used to collect research, followed by a literature review about
the sources referenced, and then a more thorough description of the data found during
research. After these aspects are presented, there will be further discussion. Before attempting
to understand why Germany is leading in the number of new applications for asylum, it is

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important to look at where these asylum-seekers come from, why they are seeking asylum,
and the overall trends among refugees. Therefore, within the discussion, there is first an
elaboration on immigration trends throughout the world, followed by an account of the origins
of refugees who seek asylum around the world, within the European Union, and more
specifically in Germany. Then, the main causes of immigration by these refugees will be
discussed, and finally an analysis of why Germany is currently the destination of choice for
asylum-seekers going West.
METHODOLOGY
The methodology for collecting the data and research to write this paper included gathering
background information and utilizing research materials on the topic in order to support the
hypothesis that Germany is an attractive destination for refugees and asylum-seekers due to
economic stability, a positive worldview, and flexibility concerning immigration issues,
especially for refugees. The background research included information on immigration trends
and causes, determining the number or asylum-seekers and where they go. Also, there was
research on defining the main origins of asylum-seekers and why they apply for asylum.
Additionally, an investigation into how the world perceives Germany was sought out, in order
to give supporting evidence for why many refugees settle there. Furthermore, there was an
exploration of Germany as a destination for immigrants, as far as how refugees are treated on
arrival and how they integrate into German society.
The research materials were gathered from various sources including the UNHCR,
Eurostat, the Northeastern Online Library, and news portals such as the BBC. Some of these
sources were located via search engines. The entirety of the sources were found on online
platforms, however, some of the sources were originally in print.
LITERATURE REVIEW

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The main source for immigration trends with regard to refugees and asylum-seekers
worldwide is the United Nation Human Rights Council. The UNHCR provides yearly and
mid-year reports, some of which include data analysis, statistics, graphs, charts, and tables
concerning asylum-seekers who apply for asylum within 44 industrialized countries, Germany
being one of those countries. Inside of the European Union, the European Commission’s
Eurostat provides similar information revolving around asylum-seekers to the EU member
states, which currently entails twenty-eight nations including Germay. Both the UNHCR and
Eurostat are the sources for the data on immigration trends and countries of origin for asylum-
seekers and refugees. Furthermore, both sources, but especially the UNHCR, provide analysis
on the causes of displacement. They highlight the main reasons people become asylum-
seekers, which is addressed in the data and discussion sections of this paper.
Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Interior (Bundesministerium des Innern) provides
news and resources on migration to and integration within Germany. Furthermore, it produces
information on federal decisions concerning immigration and asylum-seekers, and these
reports contribute to the data and discussion sections of this paper. The Anholt-GfK Roper
Nation Brands Index gives an annual report describing which country is the top-ranking based
on public opinion from around the world. The NBI covers questions about six categories
connected with national image in order to generate the report. The findings were published in
The Telegraph and are used in the data section to highlight reasons for immigration to
Germany.
Routledge Studies in the European Economy: Competitiveness in the European Economy
is a book which studies the economies of different European countries, with an emphasis on a
comparison between the economies of Germany and Italy. This compilation elaborates on
ideas about the German economy found within this paper. Germany: Managing Migration in
the 21st Century is a paper which gives a background on the history of immigration to

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Germany. The historical findings are used to comment on immigration trends in the past
century within Germany.
DATA
According to statistics on refugees from UNHCR and Eurostat, the vast majority of asylum-
seekers to the West choose Germany as their destination. However, many choose to
temporarily stay in the region of their original home. “People fleeing conflict or persecution
often end up in a neighbouring [sic] country - but many do not want to settle there
permanently. Pakistan, with 1.6 million refugees, ranks highest for sheltering refugees. The
vast majority of Afghan refugees are in Pakistan and Iran” (“Graphics: Europe’s Asylum
Seekers”). Most asylum seekers in the world come from Syria, due to the increased violence
as a result of the civil war and violent conflicts occurring in that region (UNHCR). In the first
half of 2014, Syrians comprised 15 percent of the total number of asylum-seekers worldwide
(UNHCR). According to the UNHCR, “(p)rovisional data indicate that some 48,400 Syrians
requested refugee status in the first half of 2014, significantly more than during the first half
(18,900 claims) or second half of 2013 (37,500).” In the world, the next four largest groups of
asylum-seekers who claim refugee status in developed countries come from Iraq, Afghanistan,
Eritrea, and Serbia (UNHCR). However, the next four countries after Syria with the largest
number of refugees to the European Union are Russia, Afghanistan, Serbia and Pakistan
(“Aslyum statistics”). In general, “(w)ar, armed conflict, and human rights concerns in a
number of countries – notably the Syrian Arab Republic and Ukraine – are among the
principal reasons for the upsurge in the number of asylum-seekers in industrialized countries
observed during the first half of 2014” (UNHCR). This explains that the conflicts in Syria,
Iraq and Afghanistan are why there is such a large number of refugees from those areas
worldwide.

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Concerning the German economy, after the foundation of the Federal Republic of
Germany in 1949, “(c)urrency reform, Marshall Plan aid, and the development of the ‘social
market economy’ put Germany on the path to sustained economic growth, but unemployment
remained high…” (Martin 7). Then, “from 1990 to 2006, German unemployment nearly
doubled from 5.6 to 11.3 percent” (Collignon1). However, with the beginning of the global
crisis, Germany rose from its post-unification stagnation, to an economic leader in Europe
(Collignon 1). Within the European Union, Germany has been the most successful
economically due to increasing exports (Collignon 5). The current boom in the German
economy is a contributing factor for its positive perceptions from around the world.
In general, Germany is viewed very positively on the world stage, taking the number one
position in the Nation Brands Index this year. Not only is the German athletic ability currently
perceived as the best, but also the German leadership and economy is deemed to be the top.
Simon Anholt, the founder of the NBI explained, “Germany appears to have benefited not
only from the sports prowess it displayed on the world stage at the FIFA World Cup, but also
by solidifying its perceived leadership in Europe through a robust economy and steady
political stewardship” (Davidson). The way in which Germany is viewed the world over could
be why immigration to Germany among asylum-seekers is the highest in the developed world.
Germany has over 10,000 more new asylum applications than the United States, which
comes in at number two for new asylum-seekers received in industrialized countries in the
first half of 2014 (UNHCR). Furthermore, Germany has taken measures to ease the transition
into German life for new asylum applicants:
Four months after their arrival, asylum applicants and persons whose deportation has been
suspended are no longer required to live in the area officially assigned and may reside
anywhere in Germany…Not only will asylum applicants and persons whose deportation
has been suspended now be allowed to work after three months, after 15 months

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employers may hire them without having to check whether German or EU nationals are
available to fill the position. (“Changes in the law”)
This change to German law makes quickly settling there much easier for asylum-seekers.
Furthermore, the new law allows employment to be more quickly accessible to refugees.
DISCUSSION
Refugee trends. With the large amount of civil unrest and conflict in the Middle East, there is
a high number of refugees who flee to neighboring countries, because beginning in a nearby
region is a convenience for many them. Moving to the next area or the next country is
especially much more feasible for larger families or families with young children. The long
haul from Syria or other Middle Eastern countries to developed countries can be a challenging
undertaking. In some cases, it is impossible to relocate an entire family, which is why for
“asylum applicants aged 14–17 or 18–34…between two thirds and three quarters of applicants
were male” (“Asylum Statistics”). The trend of mostly male asylum-seekers to Europe is also
seen among “unaccompanied minors, as more than four out of every five unaccompanied
minors was male” (“Asylum Statistics”). There are several reasons that asylum is male-
dominated.
One group of men who would seek asylum in developed countries, are those who are
raising funds to either bring their families to them in a new country or send money to their
families still located in the original country or region. As for the large number of
unaccompanied minors, the main reason that males would have a higher number in this group
of refugees is that there is a general understanding that males are stronger than females.
Whether or not that idea is true, is not a discussion for this paper. However, due to the
perceived strength of males, it is more likely that parents would send their sons
unaccompanied to earn money for the family as opposed to daughters. Another possibility

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could be protecting sons from being forced into joining militant groups, though this is only an
assumption.
Overall, these trends imply that economic vitality is a main factor for displaced
persons when determining where they would be best to settle. As Germany has the best
economy in Europe, and arguably the best economy in the world, it is only natural that many
refugees would apply to Germany for asylum.
Refugee origins. With the outbreak of the civil war in Syrian Arab Republic, Syrians now
comprise the largest group of asylum-seekers in the EU and worldwide. The second largest
group of refugees in the EU come from the Russian Federation, and around the world, Iraqis
make up the second largest group of refugees. The situation in Germany is as follows,
On average, one out of every five asylum claims in Germany was lodged by Syrians.
Applications in Germany lodged by individuals from Serbia (and Kosovo:
S/RES/1244 (1999)) also more than doubled, from 3,700 to 8,000. Eritrean and
Albanian asylum claims likewise increased 12-fold, from 310 to 3,800 each during the
same period. In contrast, asylum applications from the Russian Federation plummeted
from 10,000 during the first part of 2013 to 2,200 a year later. (UNHCR)
In summary, Syrians comprise the largest group of new refugees in Germany, followed by
Serbians, Eritreans, Albanians and Russians. Among these top five origin countries, three are
wholly or partly European, which would allow for a more practical move to Germany.
Causes of displaced persons. As previously mentioned, violent conflict and war is a major
contributing factor for displaced persons worldwide. Of the top five countries of origin for
refugees, “four are currently experiencing violence, conflict, or human rights concerns”
(UNHCR). It is reasonable and natural for people to flee conflict and seek to protect
themselves and their families. Furthermore, in deciding on a destination, many refugees

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would seek the stability of government and social structure that is destroyed during conflict.
Germany can offer not only a stable and respected government, but also a war-free
environment.
Why Germany leads the developed world in asylum applicants. Factors that asylum applicants
typically take into consideration when deciding on a final location include “historical ties
between countries of origin and destination (former colonies for instance), a certain
knowledge of the language used in the host country, the presence of established ethnic
communities, and the economic situation of the destination country” (“Asylum Statistics”).
Several of these factors contribute to why Germany is a top pick for refugees.
Although Germany does not have historical ties with the origin countries of many of
its refugees, Germany does have a history of accepting large numbers of asylum-seekers. In
1992, there was an average of 1,200 asylum applicants per day (Martin 19). This has created a
reputation for Germany as a country that openly receives asylum applicants, making it
attractive to asylum-seekers.
Integration for immigrants and refugees is a key issue in Germany, and the Federal
Ministry of the Interior states that,
Integration should ensure that immigrants have equal opportunities and the chance to
participate in all areas, especially social, economic and cultural life. To do so, people
who come to Germany intending to stay must learn the German language and acquire
basic knowledge of our history and our legal system… And they should be familiar
with Germany’s constitution and laws and should respect and abide by them.
This commitment to integration allows asylum-seekers to better acclimate to German culture
and society. Even if they have a limited knowledge on arrival, the German government is

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flexible with refugees and helps them to transition to life in Germany. That being said, it is
common for immigrants to seek out communities of people that have a shared heritage.
With such a large number of asylum-seekers, Germany is becoming an ever diverse
country. Due to this, people can easily find fellow countrymen and women with whom to
form a community. This large presence of multicultural communities is an added reason that
Germany is an ideal destination for refugees. An additional, and very important factor that
makes Germany so seemingly perfect for refugees is the economic situation.
Germany has the largest economy in Europe, and the whole world seems to know
about its economic success. A solid economy means better access to a jobs market and an
improved cost of living for work done. With higher paying jobs, refugees can more easily
support their families either within Germany or abroad. The economic achievements of
Germany, coupled with its immigration reforms and superior placement in the hearts and
minds of people worldwide, make it an excellent choice for refugees searching for a new
home.
CONCLUSION
Due to the outbreak of conflict and violations of human rights occurring worldwide, the
number of asylum seekers is on the rise. There have been hundreds of thousands of new
asylum claims just in the first half of 2014. With the rise in the numbers of refugees, Germany
has experienced the greatest influx of asylum applicants compared to any other industrialized
country in the world. The fact that Germany is being chosen as the destination for so many,
may lead some to question why. The answer is that Germany’s economy is the best, it is
accepting of refugees and seeks to help them integrate, and worldwide it is respected and
admired for its stability and successes. In summation, it seems that Germany is currently the
greatest country in the world, and that is why so many refugees want to experience it.

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Works Cited
“Asylum Statistics”. European Commission – Eurostat. July 2014. Web.
“Changes in the Law on Asylum and Nationality”. Federal Ministry of the Interior. 26
Sep. 2014. Web
Collignon, Stefan, and Esposito, Piero, eds. Routledge Studies in the European Economy:
Competitiveness in the European Economy. Florence, KY, USA: Taylor and Francis,
Feb. 2014. ProQuest ebrary. Web.
Davidson, Lauren. “The world voted, and the best country is... Germany?”. The Telegraph.
13 Nov. 2014. Web.
“Graphics: Europe’s Asylum Seekers”. BBC. 30 Sep. 2014. Web.
“Integration”. Federal Ministry of the Interior. 2014. Web
Martin, Philip L. Germany: Managing Migration in the 21st Century. Institute of
European Studies. UC Berkeley: Institute of European Studies, 01 May 2002. Web.
Retrieved from: http://www.escholarship.org/uc/item/1gb6j203
“UNHCR Asylum Trends, First Half 2014: Levels and Trends in Industrialized Countries”.
The UN Refugee Agency. 09 Oct. 2014. Web.