“This will fuel the frustration even more”

Before the refugee summit on Wednesday, the dispute between the federal and state governments comes to a head. Migration researcher Hannes Schammann warns against unrealistic decisions and growing frustration.

The municipalities have been sounding the alarm for months: they have to take in too many refugees, and at the same time there is not enough support from federal politics, they say. The federal and state governments are therefore meeting on Wednesday for the refugee summit. But the fronts are hardened, the mood is bad.

The migration researcher Hannes Schammann fears that the summit will not only improve nothing, but could even worsen the situation. A conversation about harmful demands and phantom debates.

Mr. Schammann, municipalities and counties have been raising the alarm for months that they have to take in too many refugees and that nothing is going to work anymore. Are the lawsuits justified?

The problem is not that unexpectedly many new refugees are arriving. The highest number came in the months immediately following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, i.e. up to the fall of 2022.

What is the problem then?

We have a difficult mix right now: many of the Ukrainians first lived with friends, family and helpful private individuals, but now have to be accommodated by the municipalities. At the same time, the number of other asylum seekers is increasing again, as is to be expected after the pandemic. This mix is ​​pushing many municipalities to the limit of their capacity, especially when it comes to accommodation.

Do all municipalities face the same problems?

no way. The picture is very inconsistent. There are also many municipalities that not only complain and even take in more refugees than they should.

Some municipalities have learned from the refugee crisis of 2015/2016. They have understood that it is bad for them if they remain passive and wait for the bus to come. They work with foresight and have changed processes in their authorities. Become active yourself – that is the most important point.

Why doesn’t everyone do this?

At first glance, the terribly complex asylum law in Germany does not provide for an active role for the municipalities. But the federal government is not responsible for everything. Local authorities manage the accommodation, the integration. But you have to make a decision: are you just reacting to the current situation or are you going to take strategic action?

An example from practice where things are going particularly well?

In Düsseldorf, as in almost all metropolitan areas, apartments are scarce. Nevertheless, the city not only fulfills its target, but even exceeds it. Among other things, this has to do with the fact that Düsseldorf has set up an office that unites all those involved in administration under one roof.

However, this does not conjure up new apartments.

But it shortens paths, saves time and helps to keep track. Therefore, it also helps with the housing issue. In this way, buildings can be bought or rented in good time.

On Wednesday, the federal and state governments will meet for the refugee summit. Above all, the states are demanding more money, and the federal government no longer wants to give it. Would that help at all?

More money always helps. However, it is also the simplest political demand – and by no means the most important. It would be much more important, for example, to relieve the immigration authorities.

If possible, they should be given more staff, if necessary by administrative assistance from other departments. And we urgently need more digital solutions and a clearing out of migration law. The offices have to examine the same cases over and over again, although nothing has changed in them. This is absurd and clogs the system.