Educator Specializing in Asylum Rights Removed from Afghanistan
Is Germany's Asylum Policy Starting to Mirror Trump's?
Well, it might appear that way, especially following news about a kindergarten teacher hailing from Afghanistan getting deported to Lithuania (Tagesschau, May 13, 24).
Despite holding a permanent job at a kindergarten in Offenbach, Amira (alias) was shipped off to a reception center in Lithuania - her former home since escaping the Taliban's clutches.
According to Tagesschau:
Her kindergarten team was left astonished after hearing the morning voice message. "I can't come today, the police are here." That's all Amira relayed. Shortly after, she was nowhere to be found - expelled from the tranquil life of a Hessian kindergarten to an alien environment in Lithuania.
"I'm a ball of emotions, constantly fighting back tears," she shared over the phone with tagesschau.de, requesting her true identity remain hidden for safety.
Hailing from Afghanistan, Amira had to abandon her home, job, and identity three years ago. After the Taliban seized power, she sought refuge first in Lithuania, where she was granted protection. "I had a residence permit and practically a work permit there. Sadly, I wasn't given a chance to integrate," she lamented. Thus, she embarked on a new journey to Offenbach.
She familiarized herself with German, initially through YouTube videos, later in a language course. Then she applied to the kindergarten "Die Krabbelstubb".
"We were both intrigued and vexed," remarked managing director Hanna Fischer. "But her dedication swayed us. She spoke unexpectedly fluent German, had a warm heart, and was eager - precisely the asset we needed."
She swiftly took on responsibility, caring for her own kindergarten group, organizing yoga activities, even penning the kindergarten newsletter. "And even in this dire situation of departure, she found the strength to let us know that she wouldn't make it," said Fischer. That underlined how crucial her role at the kindergarten was to her.
Amira was an aspiring pedagogue in Afghanistan and a devoted kindergarten teacher before coming to Germany. In Offenbach, she was on the path to getting official recognition for her skills. Her second practical year in her profession had just begun - the final milestone toward becoming a qualified professional. "We had her future mapped out," remarked managing director Bastian Klinzing.
"We're forever harping on about the shortage of skilled workers," said Klinzing. "And then we deport someone like Amira? That's infuriating."
The kindergarten operators, Bastian Klinzing and Hanna Fischer, are tirelessly advocating for Amira's return. They're scouring legal avenues that could potentially pave her way back.
The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) commented on the matter, stating, "Whether someone learns German, works, or integrates doesn't affect the asylum process. BAMF examines solely whether a person faces danger upon return to their home country," the authority stated. After a rejected asylum application, an expulsion order is issued. The ultimate responsibility for deportation lies with foreign authorities.
The deportation authority in Offenbach is culpable if it dispatches a trustworthy kindergarten teacher, who has never suffered criminal charges in Germany, solely because it was her first country of entry upon fleeing! Especially in sectors like childcare and nursing, there is a substantial shortage of skilled workers! The foreign authority is aiding and abetting this acute labor shortage in childcare and nursing!
Furthermore, this asylum policy is inhumane and ill-advised, given that sincerely needed and integrated skilled workers like Amira are being deported! What about people who face unbearable living conditions in the countries they initially sought refuge in and eventually make their way to Germany? Instead of deportations, the EU should compel these countries, such as Bulgaria or Hungary, to accept refugees lawfully!
Germany appears to be treading in Trump's shoes, with his controversial deportation policy!
- The events surrounding Amira's deportation from Germany, despite her permanent job as a kindergarten teacher and proficient German language skills, suggest a growing similarity between Germany's asylum policy and the politics of general-news associated with policy-and-legislation.
- This case, involving a dedicated kindergarten teacher, highlights the ongoing debate in German politics and policy-and-legislation regarding the treatment of asylum seekers, drawing parallels with the general-news headlines associated with President Trump's controversial deportation policy.
