Restricting Family and National Belonging: Government Plans Tougher Qualifications
Germany Implements Tougher Migration Policies for Subsidiary Protection Refugees
Berlin — In a move observed weeks after assuming office, the newly formed black-red coalition has kicked off initial tightening measures in the migration sector. The coalition government has approved two draft bills put forward by Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), as announced by the federal government. Both bills require approval from the Bundestag.
"Today marks a decisive moment in our efforts to curb illegal migration and ease the burden on integration and reception systems," said Dobrindt. He argued that the lack of a solution to the migration issue has contributed significantly to the societal polarization. He aims to counteract this.
The proposals outline two key changes that particularly affect refugees with subsidiary protection status. Firstly, some refugees will no longer be able to bring close family members to Germany. Secondly, the accelerated naturalization for exceptionally well-integrated immigrants after three years will be revoked. The measures are set to pass the Bundesrat according to Dobrindt's plans by June.
Refugees granted subsidiary protection status, though not asylum or refugee status, are allowed to stay in Germany due to facing political persecution, torture, or the death penalty in their home countries. Approximately 388,074 subsidiary protected persons resided in Germany as of the end of March. Roughly three-quarters of this group came from Syria, according to government data.
Only close relatives, such as spouses, registered partners, and minor children, can be reunited with subsidiary protected persons, with the suspension of family reunions lasting at least two years. Hardship cases will be considered individually. Those who already have an appointment for a German visa for family reunification can continue with the previous procedure.
The suspension of family reunions for refugees without asylum status had previously been enforced by the previous black-red coalition from March 2016 to July 2018, with the intention of preventing an overload in reception and integration.
As for naturalization changes, the black-red government also aims to reverse the accelerated naturalization decided by the traffic light coalition for highly integrated immigrants. The "fast-track" naturalization, as critics referred to it, had been criticized by the CDU, CSU, and SPD as early as the opposition. However, the broader reform of the citizenship law decided by the SPD, Greens, and FDP remains unchanged. The reduction of the waiting period for normal naturalizations from eight to five years, as well as the permission for dual citizenship, will be maintained.
While the suspension of family reunions for subsidiary protection holders could alleviate local pressure, human rights organizations and experts raise concerns about the potential psychological distress and risks of pushing some towards irregular migration routes. The reform also may curb the integration and overall well-being of affected individuals, as family unity is considered crucial for stable resettlement.
In summary, the German government has introduced stricter policies for subsidiary protection refugees, affecting family reunification and naturalization processes. These changes reflect a broader shift prioritizing the control of migration and pressure reduction on local resources.
"The German government, under the new black-red coalition, has initiated a tougher policy on migration for subsidiary protection refugees, specifically affecting family reunification and naturalization, with the aim of curbing illegal migration and reducing societal polarization."
"These new policies, as outlined in the draft bills, include the suspension of family reunions for some refugees with subsidiary protection status and the revocation of the accelerated naturalization for well-integrated immigrants after three years."
