One thing that kind of sticking out for me too is the part where Ray stated that his dad said English was important language. Most German's wouldn't make a statement like this however an eastern block country would.
With no passport, running away from some political or criminal heat could be explain in all this. Why Ray went to City hall instead for if Ray went to a consulate it would have to be from the Country he came from and that was to be hidden.
If you wanted a new identity, new life, a young man under 20 years of age, homeless or a criminal that is scared and running what story would you make up, what country would buy into that store more then any other country? Yep Germany, kinder friendly more so then any other.