Chatting with Markus Lanz on Migration Policy: Expert Thym Discusses Asylum Policy
European authorities suggest an expansion in the number of refugees accepted across the union.
Well folks, Markus Lanz is back with another heated discussion on migration policy! This time, he'll be joined by the Saarländische Ministerpräsidentin, Anke Rehlinger, an SPD politician. With the SPD in a bit of turmoil after some party politicians demanding talks with Russia and questioning NATO's armament, the discussion might get interesting!
Before we dive in, let's talk about the controversial stance the SPD has taken on migration policy. Despite their historical support for more inclusive asylum policies, the SPD, as part of the coalition government, has recently been leaning towards a tougher approach, enforcing stricter border controls and expanding the list of safe countries of origin [1][2].
Now, onto the discussion at hand. Anke Rehlinger, while remaining calm, couldn't help but voice her displeasure with the SPD left's paper. She acknowledges that the discussions happening within the party have been ongoing, but questions whether those opinions will find broad support [3]. Rehlinger supports Germany standing up to Russia and believes a collaboration with Putin's Russia is not the right approach at this time [3].
Just as a similar dispute might erupt in migration policy, we turn to expert Daniel Thym, a migration law professor from the University of Constance. Thym doesn't believe that the current border controls are successful or legal [4]. While the rejections at the borders are a useful signal, they are only a first step towards a broader change in asylum policy [4]. Thym assumes that the border controls have been noticed by asylum seekers who are still far from Germany [4].
However, criticism has been raised regarding the lack of legal preparation for border controls. For example, the administrative court in Berlin declared the rejections of three refugees in individual cases to be unlawful [4]. Thym sees a chance, approximately 20 to 40 percent, that the courts may accept the German approach at the borders for some time, as long as a suitable justification for an emergency is provided. This justification would not be based on the decrease in asylum application numbers, but rather the challenges faced in the medium and long-term integration, such as labor market, educational system, and housing market [4].
In conclusion, despite criticisms, Thym believes that the fight against illegal migration and the means used by the German government are valid. He emphasizes the importance of controlling migration and having rules to enforce [4]. Let's tune into Lanz's discussion and see where it leads!
Sources:
- Germany's Migration Crisis: The Current State of Affairs
- Germany's Migration Policy: A Closer Look
- Germany's SPD Faces Turmoil Before Party Conference
- The Legality of Germany's Border Controls: A Critical Perspective
The expert, Daniel Thym, contends that the current border controls implemented by the German government might not be legally sound, even though they serve as a preliminary step towards altering asylum policy [4]. He also assumes that the courts may support this approach for some time, provided a justification for an emergency is given, focusing on the long-term integration challenges such as employment opportunities, education, and housing [4].
In the midst of debates about migration policy within the SPD and the general-news political landscape, it's essential to consider the implications of stricter border controls and asylum policies on migration patterns and employment opportunities for migrants [ migration, employment policy, politics, general-news ].
