Criticizing Migration Policies, Senator Kiziltepe Speaks Out
Senator for Social Affairs in Berlin, Cansel Kiziltepe, openly criticized the recent migration policy decisions made by both federal and state governments. She particularly criticized the idea of issuing payment cards instead of cash for refugees, claiming it would significantly stigmatize them. According to Kiziltepe, people are fleeing crises like war and displacement, and their decisions aren't reliant on the type or form of social benefit.
From an integration standpoint, Kiziltepe considered it a significant step back that work opportunities for refugees, charged 80 cents to €1, were under discussion. The SPD politician continued to express her dissatisfaction with the federal government's financial support for federal states, warning that rigorous debt brake requirements could lead to exponential future costs.
Kiziltepe also expressed concern over the federal and state governments' mandate to outsource asylum procedures to third countries. She claimed that such a move would effectively result in withdrawing from the Geneva Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights.
In a conference of minister presidents last Tuesday, after months of dispute, the federal and state governments agreed on the future distribution of refugee costs. The federal government planned to pay a lump sum of €7,500 per capita for first-time asylum applicants in Germany. Additionally, asylum seekers' benefits would now only progress to the same level as regular social assistance after 36 months (previously 18 months). Lastly, asylum seekers would receive at least part of their benefits as credit on a payment card moving forward.
Kiziltepe went on record expressing concerns about the decision to issue payment cards instead of direct cash to refugees. She further cited dissatisfaction with the federal government's financial support for state governments, urging that rigid debt brake requirements could lead to exponential future costs.
From an integration perspective, critics contend that the policy lacks impact and long-term benefits for asylum seekers. The arguments against issuing payment cards instead of cash include:
- Limitation of Social Benefits: The introduction of payment cards restricts asylum seekers with only basic necessities, potentially making their situation more precarious.
- Lack of Flexibility: Payment cards do not allow for direct debits or transfers, which may hinder asylum seekers in managing their finances effectively.
- Potential for Increased Xenophobia and Stigma: The use of payment cards might further stigmatize asylum seekers, potentially emboldening xenophobiac attitudes.
- Inadequate Support for Integration: The policy does not sufficiently address the broader social infrastructure needs, such as daycare centers, schools, healthcare, and housing construction, which are important for refugee integration.
Critics like Kiziltepe, recognizing these concerns, advocate for a more comprehensive, supportive approach to integrating asylum seekers into German society. They urge investment in social infrastructure and adherence to human rights conventions rather than relying on restrictive financial measures.
