Evolving integration concepts in Germany and North Rhine-Westphalia

Despite its history being shaped by immigration, Germany did not perceive itself as a country of immigration and no comprehensive federal integration strategy was formulated until the beginning of 2000 (OECD, 2007 Hübschmann 2015). Even though Altena was likewise impacted by these migration flows, until recently, the city did not develop a support structure for migrants to cope with challenges related to integration. Due to the absence of specific policy in this area, integration of migrants in Altena is largely dependent on the engagement of people with a migration background themselves and the work of volunteers in the city.