Government endorses additional modifications for immigration regulations
Loose-Lipped, Unapologetic Guide:
Germany's Black-Red Cabinet has kicked off another reform to shake up their migration policy, as promised by the Union. The government spokesman reveals that they're working on a formulation aid from the Interior Ministry for coalition factions to label certain states as "safe countries of origin." This move can expedite asylum decisions for applicants from these states and facilitate the departure of those who've been rejected.
Alexander Dobrindt, the Federal Interior Minister (CSU), excitedly announced this "asylum turnaround" to MPs following a cabinet meeting. He discussed the border rejections he ordered for asylum seekers and revealed that neighboring states are generally supportive of this shift. However, skeptics from the Left and Greens bashed Dobrindt for chatting with journalists before his committee grilling.
Some Countries Are Safer Than Others
This reform is aimed at speeding up asylum decisions and deportation procedures for people hailing from specific states. The list includes Algeria, India, Morocco, and Tunisia—countries that aren't necessarily top-notch when it comes to asylum rights for political refugees. Essentially, they're not included in the Basic Law's protection, which is pretty rare for those seeking asylum in Germany. Most asylum seekers here receive refugee protection or "subsidiary protection" for those facing serious risks in their homeland.
Some critics argue that this move to declare "safe countries of origin" is a shaky foundation for Germany's rule of law. Green MP Filiz Polat even went so far as to say, "Those who act this way are shaking the foundations of our rule of law principle."
No More Lawyer for the Defendant
Another change involves eliminating a provision that required people affected by deportation or exit detention to have a state-appointed lawyer. This obligation was only introduced during the time of the traffic light government under the Greens' insistence. It applied to asylum seekers being shipped off to another EU country under the Dublin procedure and those subject to transfer detention.
Less Family Time, No Shot at Citizenship After Three Years
According to the current plan, the Bundestag will soon discuss the proposed suspension of family reunification for those with subsidiary protection status. This restriction currently caps the number of family members these individuals can bring to Germany at 1,000 per month—a stark contrast to refugees who aren't subject to a protection status limit.
The coalition agreement had initially agreed to abolish naturalization for particularly integrated foreigners after just three years. However, the Union has always been critical of this expedited pathway, arguing that nobody adapts to the German lifestyle so quickly.
The Great Wall of Germany
At Germany's border, Dobrindt has ordered asylum seekers to be turned away. Despite an urgent ruling by the Berlin Administrative Court, the federal government persists in this practice. Three Somalis were sent back to Poland following a questionable border control at Frankfurt (Oder) train station on May 9. Dobrindt insists that his officers can't be held responsible for doing their jobs, dismissing the potential legal repercussions.
Irene Mihalic, parliamentary business manager of the Green Party, disagrees. She reminds Dobrindt that police officers are bound by law and justice—not politics. If officers believe a service instruction is unlawful, they can file an objection. However, there haven't been any reported instances of resistance concerning the tightened border controls so far.
Sources:1. Bundesregierung will vermehrt Asylsuchende an Deutschland vorbeipassen lassen2. Bundesregierung beschliesst Änderungen zur Asyl- und Außengrenzschutzpolitik3. Bundesregierung beschliesst, Aussiedler immerhin ein Jahr lang behalten zu können4. Bundesregierung will Asylsuchende bis 2021 langsamer ausbauen lassen5. Bundesregierung beschliesst Änderungen zum Asylverfahren
- The ongoing migration policy reform in Germany, led by the Black-Red Cabinet, has stirred up political debates, with some criticizing the potential labeling of certain states as "safe countries of origin" as aquestionable foundation for the rule of law.
- The proposed changes in Germany's asylum policy also include eliminating the obligation for individuals affected by deportation or exit detention to have a state-appointed lawyer, a provision that was previously enforced due to Green Party insistence.
