The Union’s migration application, supported by the AfD, seeks to impose stricter border refusals for asylum seekers, raising concerns among the SPD and Greens about political norms. While lacking legal binding power, it garners significant opposition support. Upcoming votes may lead to changes in family reunification limits and deportation measures. As election day approaches, public sentiment on asylum policies could influence voter decisions amid ongoing challenges in the asylum system and deportation processes in Germany.
Union’s Migration Application: Implications and Reactions
The Union has successfully advanced its migration application, aided by support from the AfD. The SPD and Greens view this as a significant breach of political norms. What does this resolution entail, and how will it influence the final weeks leading up to the election? Let’s delve into the details.
Understanding the Resolution’s Impact
The Union’s application calls for the federal government to implement stringent refusals at German borders, effectively barring asylum seekers from entering the country. While the application itself lacks legal binding power, its significance lies in garnering support from opposition votes. Advocates from the FDP, AfD, and some independents have rallied behind it, while the governing parties, including the SPD, Greens, and the Left Party, have pushed back. The BSW has opted to abstain from the vote.
Looking ahead, another vote is scheduled for this Friday. The Bundestag will not only consider appealing applications but will also review a draft law that, if passed by the Bundesrat, mandates action from the federal government. Notably, the current limit on family reunifications for foreigners with restricted protection status, capped at 1,000 individuals per month, could face suspension indefinitely.
Additionally, the proposed influx limitation law allows federal police to take action against individuals required to leave Germany, including deportation to their home countries. However, it remains uncertain whether this measure will receive majority support in the Bundesrat. Nonetheless, a majority in the Bundestag appears likely, as the Union, FDP, AfD, and BSW have all signaled their approval.
Political Ramifications for the Upcoming Elections
The implications for the election campaign remain unpredictable. Historically, voters often make their decisions shortly before election day. Two factors must also be considered: research indicates that the potential voter base for the AfD is considerably smaller than that of CDU/CSU and SPD. Voters who would never consider supporting the AfD might still view the resolution involving AfD votes with skepticism.
Conversely, a significant portion of the electorate believes that Germany has accepted too many asylum seekers in recent years and is not addressing deportations with sufficient urgency. This sentiment may lead some voters to back Union chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz’s initiatives to tackle these concerns ahead of the formation of a new federal government.
Today, the Bundestag also took a moment to honor the victims of National Socialism.
Challenges Facing German Asylum Policy
Despite claims from SPD politicians that asylum applications have decreased by approximately 30 percent, resulting in 229,751 initial applications in 2024, the previous year saw a staggering 51 percent rise to 329,120 applications. Many asylum seekers continue to rely on state support long after their arrival, struggling with issues such as housing shortages and psychological challenges stemming from war and displacement experiences.
According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, 20,084 individuals were deported from Germany last year—a 22 percent increase from 2023. However, numerous individuals, including offenders, remain in Germany longer than necessary due to various challenges. These include non-cooperation from countries of origin regarding repatriations or difficulties in locating individuals on the scheduled deportation day. Additionally, inefficiencies among federal, state, and municipal authorities often hinder timely return arrangements. These challenges are exacerbated by the complexities of federal responsibility structures, as noted by interior politicians.