Forever 17: Coming of Age in the German Asylum System

The immigration system in Germany is engineered to protect minors, which leads to unintended consequences for migrants. Forever 17 follows young African and Central Asian migrants as they navigate the system, realizing that their age can have an outsized effect on the outcome of their cases. Those classified as minors must live with the psychological burden of being treated like children, while those classified as adults must live without the practical support and legal protections reserved for minors. Ulrike Bialas' film shows that policies surrounding asylum seekers fall dramatically short of their humanitarian ideals, limiting the possibilities for migrants in real need of protection and keeping them from leading fulfilling lives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The impact of age on the experiences and life prospects of asylum seekers in Germany is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful examination. The compassionate response to immigration crises, often driven by heartbreaking images of children in distress, can shape the structure of state asylum policies. In Germany, for instance, the immigration system is designed to prioritize the protection of minors, leading to unintended consequences for migrants.

In her documentary film Forever 17, Ulrike Bialas follows young African and Central Asian migrants in Germany as they navigate the intricate system. Without official paperwork or accurate knowledge of their age, these migrants must decide how to present their complex life stories to government officials. They quickly realize that their age can have a significant impact on the outcome of their cases.

A migrant under the age of 18 cannot be deported but may instead be placed in a youth home, where they are subject to strict curfew laws. On the other hand, an 18-year-old adult can obtain permission to work but is limited in opportunities to access education. Regardless of their actual or assumed age, migrants face numerous challenges. Those classified as minors endure the psychological burden of being treated like children, while those classified as adults lack the practical support and legal protections typically reserved for minors.

The determination of age itself is complex and often ambiguous, leading to difficulties for officials in making decisions. While Germanys infamous bureaucracy is intended to provide clear statements about refugees and migrants, the reality is often more nuanced, forcing officials to grapple with the complex implications of their choices. Ultimately, Bialas demonstrates that policies surrounding asylum seekers fall significantly short of meeting their human rights and dignity.

The impact of age on the experiences and life prospects of asylum seekers in Germany highlights the need for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to immigration policies. It is essential to recognize that age is not a determining factor in determining someone's worth or deservingness of protection. Rather, it is the circumstances that individuals face that should guide our responses.

To address the challenges faced by asylum seekers of all ages, it is crucial to prioritize the provision of legal support, access to education, and opportunities for employment. Governments should work towards integration programs that provide language and cultural adaptation support to help migrants integrate into their new communities. Additionally, efforts should be made to address the root causes of migration, such as conflict, poverty, and human rights abuses, to prevent individuals from fleeing their homes in search of safety.

Furthermore, it is essential to raise awareness about the impact of age on the experiences of asylum seekers and to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions that perpetuate age-based discrimination. Education and awareness campaigns can play a vital role in promoting understanding and empathy towards migrants of all ages.

In conclusion, the impact of age on the experiences and life prospects of asylum seekers in Germany is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted and compassionate response. By recognizing the importance of age and addressing the root causes of migration, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and just immigration system that respects the human rights and dignity of all individuals.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226830063