Germany’s plan to deport Syrian refugees echoes 1980s effort to repatriate Turkish guest workers

By: Michelle Lynn Kahn, University of Richmond, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: December 10, 2025

Words: 1,360

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Michelle Lynn Kahn, University of Richmond

For 14 years while Syria’s brutal civil war raged, Germany provided a safe haven for those fleeing the violence. Now, a year after that conflict ended with the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, many in Germany – including the country’s leader – want those same Syrians gone.

In November, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a controversial plan to deport Syrian refugees “in the …

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