Last year, thousands of Syrians in Vienna celebrated the fall of Assad, seeing it as a miracle after decades of harsh rule. But the joy was short-lived. Soon, a dozen European countries, including Austria and Germany, announced they would suspend asylum approvals for Syrians and plan deportations. Austria started reviewing Syrian asylum cases and prepared programs for orderly returns. Abdulhkeem Alshater of the Free Syrian Community of Austria said, "It's alarming and disappointing," adding it breaches trust with those rebuilding their lives there. Austria also stopped family reunifications and returned a Syrian with a criminal record to Syria. In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said many Syrians should voluntarily return, stating, "There are now no longer any grounds for asylum in Germany." Deportations might follow for those who refuse. This clashes with employers and unions highlighting Syrians' critical role in helping with labor shortages, especially in healthcare and childcare. Anas Alakkad, who trains migrants in Germany, noted Syrians fear deportation and question investing in their futures. Syrian activist Ahed Festuk called the situation “bittersweet,” acknowledging Syria is now "destroyed completely." Reconstruction costs are huge—over US$200 billion. Some Syrians have started returning home, but many face poor infrastructure and ongoing violence. UN data shows over 80% of refugees hope to return eventually. Turkey, home to 4 million Syrians, saw about 500,000 return voluntarily last year. Yet many Syrians have built lives there, opening businesses and accessing services. In Germany, Syrian mayor Ryyan Alshebl highlighted strong integration efforts but warned government talk of forced returns raises dangerous expectations. He argued for balanced policies: retain Syrians who work and integrate, and deport only those fully dependent on aid. The Europe-wide shift marks a challenging moment for Syrians after years of exile and hard-won progress.