A decade ago, the small industrial town of Altena in western Germany became a symbol of hope during Europe’s refugee crisis. While much of the country was struggling with the arrival of over a million migrants, Altena decided to do more than what was required. The town volunteered to take in 100 additional migrants beyond its quota, hoping that new families could breathe life into its shrinking population and struggling economy.
In 2015, Altena made national headlines as it embraced Chancellor Angela Merkel’s famous words, “Wir schaffen das” — “We can do this.” Local officials believed migrants could help fill empty homes, reopen schools that had lost students, and create a stronger future for the town. Many residents joined in with volunteer work, donations, and personal support to help newcomers feel welcome.
At first, the integration program seemed to succeed. Families moved into apartments instead of shelters, allowing them to become part of local neighborhoods. Each refugee family was matched with a German caregiver, known as a kuemmerer, who guided them through daily life. Volunteers decorated homes, provided furniture, accompanied migrants to medical visits, and helped with paperwork. Elderly residents even left toys in apartments for children to feel at home.
There were success stories. One Iraqi refugee, Humam al-Gburi, arrived in Altena in 2015 not knowing what to expect. Through the program, he formed a lasting bond with an elderly retired nurse who became like a grandmother to him. With her encouragement, he trained in different fields before becoming a nurse himself. He now works at a nearby clinic and describes Altena as a place where people know his name and treat him like family.
However, Altena’s hopes that migration alone could turn its fortunes around did not fully come true. While some migrants stayed and built lives in the town, many others moved to larger cities where jobs and education opportunities were greater. Others faced difficulties with language, cultural differences, and finding stable employment. Some eventually returned to their home countries.
The town’s population, which had already been shrinking for decades, has continued to decline despite the arrivals. By 2024, Altena’s population had dropped to around 16,600 residents — 4% less than in 2015. Its local economy improved slightly, but experts say this was mainly due to spending cuts, tax increases, and improvements in the steel industry rather than the limited number of new residents.
Tensions have also grown. Some residents began to feel that too many newcomers were arriving, while others complained about rising welfare costs and the pressure on schools and public services. In one tragic incident, the town’s mayor was attacked by a man who opposed his refugee policy. More recently, frustration over migration and broader economic issues such as inflation and infrastructure decline has fueled support for the anti-immigration AfD party. In Altena, AfD’s share of the vote rose to nearly 24% in 2024, up from just 10% a few years earlier.
Experts explain that Altena’s story reflects both sides of Germany’s migration debate. On one hand, many migrants have integrated successfully and enriched local life. On the other, migration has not solved deeper challenges such as population loss, economic decline, or strained finances. Migration researcher Thomas Liebig summarized it best: “The glass is half full and half empty. Many refugees found jobs, but social cohesion still lags behind.”
Still, Altena continues to attract newcomers, drawn by affordable housing and its reputation as a welcoming community. For some residents, the spirit of Merkel’s “We can do this” remains alive. Yet even former officials admit that migration alone cannot reverse decades of decline. As one said, “We can do this — but not without limits.”