Germany Faces Record 6.4M Immigration Influx, Rising Social Tensions

Immigration remains a pivotal issue in both the United States and Europe under President Donald Trump's second term, with his administration focusing on tightening the southern border and removing violent offenders, a strategy increasingly mirrored by European countries such as Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Germany, facing significant immigration challenges due to the largest net influx outside the U.S., is experiencing social and political strains, including security concerns linked to incidents involving recent migrants. Denmark has introduced a substantial work visa overhaul targeting nationals from 16 non-EU countries to address labor shortages, while the EU plans to increase visa authorization fees ahead of the 2026 ETIAS implementation. Meanwhile, Hungary is witnessing a surge in tourism from countries including Germany and the UK, alongside ongoing political debates around immigration, with opposition figures advocating for softer immigration policies compared to the current government’s strict stance. Additionally, Ukraine has passed new legislation allowing multiple citizenship, aiming to resolve dual citizenship challenges for ethnic Hungarians, reflecting broader regional demographic and political dynamics. These developments illustrate diverse approaches and tensions in immigration policy across the Atlantic and within Europe, affecting social cohesion, labor markets, and political landscapes.