Ready to Embrace "Firm Pragmatism in Immigration Matters" by FDP
Tossing his hat into the immigration policy ring, Merz calls for a firmer stance following the Solingen incident. He suggests drafting laws in partnership with the SPD, even if it means going solo if necessary. Now, the FDP is chime in.
In response to the Solingen knife attack, the FDP pushes for a transformation in immigration policies, cooperating with the Union. As party leader Lindner told "Bild" newspaper, "The FDP is all for cross-party initiatives to unwaveringly enforce a new pragmatism in migration policies, both nationally and regionally." Lindner sees Merz's proposals as being in line with the FDP's views.
Merz recommends a pause in immigration and asylum policies after Solingen. He suggests Olaf Scholz, the Federal Chancellor, deviate from the coalition partners, Greens and FDP, in this area, and introduce corresponding laws in the German Bundestag with the support of the Union and SPD. Merz mentions potential changes in the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act, the Residence Act, and the Act on the Federal Police's Competence Regulation as examples.
Lindner recalls Angela Merkel's approach during the 2015 refugee crisis, acknowledging that the FDP previously advocated for a different immigration approach even when the CDU still adhered to Merkel's methods. Lindner also supports pulling social benefits from certain asylum seekers. "We, too, propose halting social benefits for Dublin asylum seekers, including the Solingen attacker, to enable them to leave for the responsible EU country," Lindner shared with the newspaper.
Based on the EU Dublin Regulation, an asylum seeker is expected to submit their application in the first EU member state they enter. In the Solingen case, a 26-year-old Syrian is suspected of randomly attacking individuals at a city festival, resulting in three fatalities. The suspect is currently in custody. According to reports, the Syrian should have been deported earlier, but the German authorities failed to carry out their responsibility. The Syrian entered an EU state, Bulgaria, intending to send him back under the Dublin procedural mechanism. However, the necessary German bureaucracy didn't progress, permitting him to remain.
The FDP aligns itself with the Commission's proposed changes in immigration and asylum policies, echoing Merz's stance after Solingen. Lindner emphasizes the importance of cross-party cooperation to transform migration policies with a pragmatic approach.
Merz's immigration and asylum policy suggestions after Solingen mirror those of the Commission, particularly concerning changes in the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act, the Residence Act, and the Act on the Federal Police's Competence Regulation.
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More Background Information:
Merz and his supporters have put forth specific modifications to Germany's immigration and asylum policies. These adjustments include:
- Establishing Permanent Border Controls: Merz advocates for implementing permanent border checks to reject asylum seekers at the border[1][4].
- Speedy Departure: His proposals include the prompt deportation of individuals trying to enter Germany without legal documents[2][4].
- Limiting Family Reunification: The proposed legislation aims to end family reunification for those without a permanent right to reside in Germany[4].
- Broadening the Federal Police's Powers: The bill seeks to expand the powers of the Federal Police, allowing them to revoke residence permits on their own[4].
- Tightening Migration Policies: The overall goal is to curb migration and tighten Germany's migration policies, aligning with steps taken by other European nations like Nordic nations, Italy, and the Netherlands[4][5].
These proposals are part of Merz's five-point migration plan, which has sparked much controversy and concerns regarding its compatibility with EU asylum regulations and German law[1][2].
