Former Refugees’ Acculturation Processes and Their Views on Newly Arrived Refugees in Germany

Research on the rising number of refugees migrating to Germany has seldom considered experiences of refugees who fled to Germany several years ago and went through the process of acculturation themselves. In the present study, we investigated acculturation processes of former refugees and their views on newly arrived refugees in Germany and discuss the lessons that can be learned by society and the political system from their lived experiences. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted and analyzed by using qualitative content analysis. The sample consisted of five former refugees from the countries Iran, Iraq, and Togo. The results illustrate their acculturation processes in Germany and their attempt to integrate different, sometimes opposing cultures into their everyday lives. Ambivalent opinions on the new arrivals and the integration politics in Germany in 2015/16 (the so-called “refugee crisis”) become visible. On the one hand, empathy and solidarity towards newly arriving refugees are mentioned; on the other hand, worries are expressed and demands are made of them. On the political level, the welcoming attitude is appreciated, but clear regulations are desired. The results strongly suggest that former refugees should be included, and their personal experiences of immigration should be more thoroughly considered in decision making within integration politics.