Mohammad Azmouz, a 57-year-old Syrian barber living in Berlin, described his experience of casting his first vote in Germany as beyond words.

Yet, the recent election outcomes, which revealed a notable surge in support for the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, have filled him with concern about his future.

Azmouz asked, "Why this animosity? We contribute, and we’ve integrated into society. We aren’t a burden, so why this animosity? We cherish the German people."

The issue of asylum policy was central in this year's election campaign, boosting both conservative parties and the AfD, which received the highest and second-highest votes, respectively.

Faced with rising living costs and a more unfriendly atmosphere for immigrants, Azmouz opted to vote for the far-left Die Linke party, which emphasized social justice and promised extra support for low-income families.

He reflected on the growing expenses for residents, recalling the more favorable conditions during Angela Merkel’s long tenure as chancellor.

A study by DeZIM revealed financial worries among Germans of immigrant backgrounds, with 63.4% expressing concern about their economic situation, compared to 46.7% of those without an immigrant background.

The number of settled migrants in Germany has reached a record high, with over seven million individuals of immigrant origin eligible to vote, including many former refugees.

While numerous migrants share economic concerns, their views on political support vary.

For Mohammed, a Jordanian barber without voting rights, the rise of the AfD indicates a necessary political adjustment.

He stressed the importance of securing Germany's borders and expressed support for stricter measures against violent offenders, along with limitations on family reunification for refugees.

He stated, "If there were an AfD party in my country, I would support it."

Historically, the Social Democrats (SPD) have been favored among migrant communities for their emphasis on workers’ rights and social welfare; however, they saw a significant drop in support in this election cycle.

Alaa Eddin Mhanna, a Syrian plant operator living near Berlin, mentioned that he had supported the SPD in the last election, but was deterred this time by the party's pro-Ukraine stance, which he feels harms Germany’s economy.

He expressed frustration over the lack of representation for his beliefs, stating, "No party genuinely represents me."

Mhanna highlighted economic issues as central in this election and posited that these worries fueled the AfD’s heightened visibility.

He shared his concern about the possibility of conservatives forming a coalition with the AfD, stating, "Surely, the conservatives won't ally with them, but they will have a significant presence as opposition, and I am anxious about that."

Azmouz conveyed a hopeful sentiment, expressing a desire for Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to lead Germany toward prosperity while promoting a compassionate approach to governance that benefits all residents, including refugees.

He remarked, "We hope that the party that has taken charge will show kindness toward the people — not just refugees, but all German citizens."