Growing support for the Alternative for Germany party in eastern Germany is raising concerns among immigrant communities, with some people questioning whether they still feel accepted in the country.

Several immigrants living in cities such as Rostock and Schwerin say they have experienced more hostility toward foreigners in recent years. Some reported facing verbal abuse and comments telling them to return to their home countries.

The concerns have emerged as the AfD continues to gain political support across eastern German states. In Saxony Anhalt, the party recently won its first major regional election, while polls ahead of the Mecklenburg Western Pomerania election show strong support for the party.

Immigrants working in sectors including healthcare, tourism, education and food services say the changing political atmosphere is making them reconsider their future in the region. Some have even considered moving elsewhere if concerns about hostility continue.

The issue also has an economic dimension, as eastern Germany faces an ageing population and shortages of skilled workers. Official figures show that hundreds of thousands of Syrian nationals are working in Germany, with many employed in jobs contributing to the country's workforce.

For immigrant families who have built their lives in Germany, the growing political debate over migration has created uncertainty about whether they and their children will continue to feel fully accepted in the communities they call home.