Migration policy makes integration more difficult: uncertainty increases dramatically!

Migration policy makes integration more difficult: uncertainty increases dramatically!

On June 19, 2025, Diakonie Deutschland made alarming statements about the situation of migrants and refugees in Germany on the occasion of the upcoming World Refugee Day. A quick survey carried out among migration advice centers shows that more than 90 percent of the advice centers observe noticeable uncertainty among those seeking advice. The reasons are complex: Not only are there delays in access to the labor market and the overload of schools and daycare centers, but the tense housing situation also plays a decisive role.

The counselors report a dramatic increase in the psychological stress experienced by refugees and migrants. Almost 69 percent of professionals notice retraumatization, while 58 percent report stagnating integration processes. These are all factors that can have a lasting impact on social cohesion. What is particularly worrying is the fact that a third of those surveyed identify well-qualified migrants who are thinking about leaving Germany.

The challenges of current migration policy

As the survey shows, these uncertainties and pressures are particularly reinforced by the current asylum and migration policy regulations. The most recent changes include the suspension of family reunification for those entitled to subsidiary protection and the end of easier naturalization. These political framework conditions contribute to migrants being under increased pressure and stuck in precarious working conditions for fear of possible disadvantages in terms of residence rights.

The biggest obstacles to successful integration were also raised among the consultants. These include, among others:

• Aktuelle gesellschaftliche und politische Stimmung (75 Prozent)
• Aussetzung des Familiennachzugs (70 Prozent)
• Lange Verfahrensdauern (63 Prozent)
• Verzögerter Zugang zum Arbeitsmarkt (60 Prozent)
• Einschränkungen bei Integrations- und Sprachkursen (69 Prozent)
• Fehlende Kita- und Schulplätze (52 Prozent)
• Wohnraumerfordernisse (59 Prozent)

The advisory specialists are therefore calling for integration-friendly and socially safe policies in order to promote the involvement and participation of all people. With regard to integration, the federal program “Social Cohesion” (BGZ) also plays an important role. According to the BAMF, this program aims to support projects that create social contacts and a strong sense of belonging. This can have positive effects, especially in companies: the social skills of employees improve, and the working atmosphere benefits from more intercultural cooperation.

Psychological stress and support

The psychological stress among migrants is also a crucial issue. According to a study, two thirds of all refugees in Germany are affected by mental illnesses. For people like Akono, a young refugee from Nigeria, these stresses manifest themselves in social isolation and depression. Akono lives in a refugee facility and feels powerless in his situation, while at the same time suffering from pressure from his family that forces him to return to his old home.

It is therefore essential that psychosocial care for migrants in Germany is improved. Interculturally competent therapists and supporting organizations are crucial to making it easier for people to settle in the new society. Information on this is available from local integration or foreigners councils as well as migration advice centers.

Overall, it should be noted that the challenges in the area of ​​migration and integration are diverse. It is all the more important that politics and society work together on solutions that meet the needs of everyone involved and enable real participation.