Immigration in Berlin is fundamentally different from immigration in Cincinnati. First compare the size of Germany and the United States: 137,983 square miles and 3,797,000 square miles, respectively. Both nations reached record amounts of immigrants to legally enter the country in 2015, but because Germany’s population is so much more dense the influx of immigrants has affected the nation in a more negative way than in the United States. In fact Senator Rob Portman has said, “The goal is to make Cincinnati the most immigrant friendly city in the country.” And to do this the city is putting together a task force with this mission statement:
“Provide Mayor Cranley, City Council and City Administration with a report examining the City of Cincinnati’s policies on immigration and how to bring, retain and foster a stronger immigrant community.
The Task Force will prepare a report that will analyze the resources and services in the City currently available to immigrants. Through analysis of existing conditions, an outline of key issues within the immigrant community will be assembled. Strategies that address the aforementioned issues will be explored and recommendations for future action reported.
It is the hope and intention of the members of The Task Force that the Mayor’s initiative will have a positive and meaningful impact on the Cincinnati community.”
This is basically saying that the city is ready to do whatever it must to suit immigrants. Instead of looking at it as a crisis or a hinderance on the community this mission statement implies that the influx of immigrants is an opportunity to build the economy and add to the diversity of the city of Cincinnati. This also extends to Dayton. Middletown Mayor Larry Mulligan has said, “Communities are always looking for ways to growing the population base, and Cincinnati’s and Dayton’s approach is one way to do it.” It is the perfect solution for these cities. More people, more money to be made, more money to be spent, more culture, more diversity equals a greater Cincinnati than before.
The case is incredibly different in Berlin. Berlin, although a large city, it has history of always being able to contain itself. With the incredible amount of immigrants entering the country, sometime hundreds per day, Berlin is getting crowded. And because they already have such a diverse culture and a naturally growing city the government so they do not have the same attitude that Cincinnati has taken on.
Anti-immigrant sentiments have only been reaffirmed as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has been pulling enough supporters to worry those in favor of more immigration. This party developed three years ago over disputes about bailing out countries that used euros such as Greece, but now their new focus is halting the flow of immigration.
But in my opinion, everyone is in a rough situation. How can one stand up and say that refugees and people seeking a better life don’t deserve to come to my country? But on the other hand, how can one sit down and allow every hopeful come into the country even if they cannot support themselves or your country already feels too full? I haven’t even touched on national security and the worry that immigration creates in that regard, or societal changes that would have to happen to allow all cultures to grow in harmony. And I haven’t because I don’t know how to. One part of me wants to give all that we have to anyone who needs it, but another part of me realizes that situation is impossible while still providing for the rest of the nation. But this is where I’m going to end because I don’t know what to say. I don’t have any solutions, just contradictions.
This is the poster for Cincinnati’s plan of action.
Immigrants protesting in Berlin.