Borders Under Lockdown: What Does the New Asylum Policy Mean for Germany? Let's Break It Down
Customs and Border Control Enforcement Modifications: Implications for Travelers at Entry Points
Attention! The new German government is talking tough on migration. As pan of his initially measures, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has announced a stricter asylum policy. Gone are the days of welcoming asylum seekers with open arms, as a resolute stance against illegal immigration takes shape. Here's what you need to know about the border crackdown.
Have Borders Been Fortified Completely?
Not quite, but you can expect to see more police presence at the boundaries over the next few weeks. This won’t be limited to highways; additional officers will also be patrolling at other locations.
Can Asylum Seekers Still Enter Germany by Land?
According to Dobrindt, there won't be an absolute ban for all asylum seekers apprehended at the border. Nevertheless, the minister isn't closing the door entirely. The strategy behind this policy is a delicate balancing act between humanitarian concerns and maintaining order. Groups such as expectant mothers and children will not be subjected to border rejections.
Scathing Critiques of Merz-Minister Dobrindt's Plans
Before the election, CDU leader Friedrich Merz stated that as Chancellor, he would demand the Interior Ministry to exercise permanent border control and refuse all unauthorized entries, even for those with legitimate protection claims. He argued that obeying the European asylum rules is futile since they are dysfunctional, and to protect Germany's interests, national law should take priority.
What Did the Traffic Light Coalition Decide?
"Together with European neighbors, we will carry out rejections at the common borders even with asylum applications," the coalition agreement states. Despite the tough posture on immigration, 229,751 first-time asylum applications were filed in Germany in 2024 - around 100,000 fewer than the previous year.
Tougher Border Controls - Polish Disapproval
Although, it should be noted, rejections aren’t entirely novel – border rejections have been taking place in some instances, such as after deportation or for those without a visa who have not presented themselves for asylum.
Are the Police Adequately Equipped for Permanent Border Controls?
Opinions among experts are divided. While tighter controls may consume more police resources on-site, rejections take less time, allowing officers to handle more cases more efficiently. The hope is that the new measures will discourage illegal immigration, ultimately reducing the number of individuals seeking entry.
The EU Asylum Reform – Why Is It Insufficient?
EU countries have been negotiating on a common asylum reform since time immemorial, with the final agreement expected to take effect by June 2026. Some believe these stricter procedures at external borders could act as a deterrent and encourage better distribution within Europe.
Possible Political Consequences in the EU
Two different assessments of the EU’s potential response to Germany's unilateral rejection policy exist. On one hand, some experts caution that such a move could weaken trust among EU countries. If the German policy relies on a legally dubious foundation, neighboring nations may question their commitment to the collective European asylum framework, potentially leading to disunity.
On the other hand, stricter immigration control appears to be gaining support among EU governments and the general public. If the new policies help limit the tide of irregular migration, additional support may materialize, fostering greater cooperation in enforcing immigration control.
Legal Grounds for the New Policy
Legal doubts regarding the validity of border rejections at this time linger. Border controls typically take place slightly beyond the official borderline, and it is stipulated that a brief interview should be conducted to help determine the appropriate member state for the asylum application process. EU law allows for derogations under certain conditions, though its application remains controversial, particularly among legal experts.
The final arbiter on this conundrum is the European Court of Justice, maintaining a reputation for being rather conservative in the enforcement of derogations.
Signaling a Shift With A Past Reminiscent of Merkel's Refugee Policy... Or Is It?
In essence, Dobrindt’s new policy represents a departure from Chancellor Angela Merkel’s stands on asylum seekers in 2015 that saw a marked increase in asylum applications from Syria. Although the Ministry of the Interior discussed sending them back at the German border, unfavorable circumstances prevented their implementation.
- The spokeswoman for the new German government commented on the stricter asylum policy, stating that the balance between humanitarian concerns and maintaining order is a delicate one.
- The new employment policy within the German government emphasizes the importance of efficient handling of border control cases related to asylum seekers.
- In the face of the new asylum policy, there is a divided opinion among experts on whether police are adequately equipped for permanent border controls with regards to employment and resource management.
- Critics of the CDU leader, Friedrich Merz, argue that his plans for stricter immigration policy focus on unilateral rejections at the border could have political consequences within the EU and lead to disunity among member states.
