With the influx of refugees from Syria and other nations to European shores, Germany was a beacon of hope for many seeking refuge. What are the challenges now and for the coming years?

Hans Jörg Neumann has served as German consul general in Los Angeles since July 2015, having previously served as German ambassador to Benin in West Africa. Neumann’s knowledge of the U.S. was acquired while serving as political advisor and head of Consular and Legal Affairs at the German Embassy in Washington (2001–05) and during his time as an exchange student with the American Field Service in Pennsylvania (1974). His diplomatic career includes service as deputy head of mission in Bucharest, head of Consular and Legal Affairs in Prague, head of the Economic Department of the German Embassy in Cairo, and as foreign desk officer for the Maghreb countries. Before joining the German Foreign Service, he practiced law in Frankfurt (1986–87) after completing law studies in Frankfurt and Lausanne, Switzerland. Neumann was born in Berlin and has three daughters.