A Strong Majority of Germans Back Border Rejections: Poll
A survey reveals that a significant number of Germans believe it's appropriate to deny entry at national borders.
The majority of Germans appear to support the federal government's insistence on turning away asylum seekers at the border, even after a court ruling. According to an Insa poll for "Bild", 64% of respondents find this approach acceptable, with just 23% deeming it unacceptable. The survey, conducted on June 5 and 6, included 1,002 citizens aged 18 and over.
The Administrative Court of Berlin recently made an urgent decision, ruling that the rejection of three Somalis at a checkpoint in Frankfurt (Oder) was unlawful. The court found that the authorities had failed to identify which European Union country should process the applicants' asylum claims. Consequently, they should not have been turned away. Subsequently, these three Somalis have relocated to Berlin.
Despite the court's decision, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) have asserted their intention to persist with the border rejections. While the court's decision may constrain their options, Merz maintains that they can still enforce these rejections.
The German government's stance on immigration has become stricter, with increased border controls designed to reject asylum seekers lacking valid visas or authentic documentation. This policy is defended on the grounds that migrants should apply for asylum in the first EU country they enter, as Germany is surrounded by safe EU states.
The government's firm stance on immigration may be a response to political pressures, particularly from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. As the AfD gains popularity and competes neck-and-neck with the center-right CDU/CSU alliance, the government's actions likely aim to address migration concerns and maintain public support amid these political challenges.
In early June 2025, over 3,200 individuals have been denied entry at Germany's borders under this new policy, with exemptions granted for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and individuals identified as particularly vulnerable. Additional federal police officers have also been deployed to support these measures.
Recent court rulings and the ongoing public debate on the policy's legality and ethics are expected to increase scrutiny of the government's stance on asylum seekers. However, the government's commitment to controlling migration at the borders remains unwavering.
Sources: ntv.de, dpa
[1] ntv.de/politik/Verwaltungsgericht-Berlin- neu-Asylsuchende-an-Grenze-abweisen-verboten,aid-206899844[2] spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/grenzschutz-merz-erhebt-forderungen-an-polizei-a-206898171.html[3] reuters.com/world/europe/cdu-refuses-cave-pressure-over-migrants-2021-08-14/[4] spiegel.de/politik/inland-germany/grenzenkontrollen-bundesregierung-in-disabled-politik-zum-asyl-versagen-a-206825061.html
- In the midst of the ongoing debate about the government's policy on asylum seekers, various policies such as the community policy, employment policy, and politics are being scrutinized, with general news outlets reporting increased border control measures and the associated legal and ethical implications.
- The German government's firm stance on immigration, including the rejection of asylum seekers lacking valid visas or authentic documentation, is not only a response to political pressures but also aligns with policy and legislation, particularly in the areas of community policy and employment policy.
