BERLIN — Germany is taking significant steps toward stricter migration policies as the incoming leadership prepares to implement these changes. Friedrich Merz, the head of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and likely next chancellor, announced on Saturday, March 8, 2025, plans to halt the voluntary admission programs for Afghan refugees. This decision reflects broader restrictions aimed at controlling migration, which have come under intense scrutiny as the country grapples with rising support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
At a joint press conference following coalition talks with the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), Merz declared, "We will reject asylum requests at the borders in coordination with our European neighbors." This declaration signals a shift to restrictive measures against irregular migration, including the systematic rejection of asylum-seekers and undocumented migrants attempting to cross Germany's borders. The CDU leader emphasized the need for these changes, stating, "We intend to take all constitutional measures necessary to reduce uncontrolled migration."
Under the new policies, Germany will not only implement strict border controls but will also end family reunification for migrants who possess subsidiary protection, those who are not granted full refugee status. The federal police will receive enhanced powers to detain undocumented migrants facing deportation, leading to significant concerns among refugee advocates. Andreas Roßkopf, the head of the German police union, acknowledged the feasibility of the plan but highlighted the requirements for additional personnel, funding, and technological support.
The backdrop of these announcements is the heated national debate over migration, intensified by recent violent incidents allegedly tied to asylum seekers. The AfD, which emerged as the second-largest party with approximately 19 percent of the vote during the February 23 elections, has been vocal about migration reforms, exposing vulnerabilities within the ruling coalition's approach and fostering public concern.
Initially, the CDU had positioned itself against the migration policies of former chancellor Angela Merkel, who famously adopted open-door policies during the 2015 migrant crisis, welcoming nearly one million refugees. Now, Merz is positioning his party as counterweights to both the AfD and Merkel's legacy, with migration policy at the forefront of the electoral discussion.
"That was no mean feat," Merz stated about the coalition talks. His remarks followed extensive negotiations with potential partners, which included painful compromises on various policy aspects, particularly around immigration controls and welfare reforms. The parties agreed it was necessary to massively extend existing controls at all borders, especially since current regulations already present exceptions to the European Schengen zone's free travel rules.
One of the more controversial pledges the coalition partners made was to maintain the strides made through previous citizenship reform legislation. Despite efforts by some within the CDU aiming to curb dual citizenship, the coalition announced its commitment to uphold the rights bestowed by the earlier reforms. Merz acknowledged the importance of reviewing the criteria for stripping citizenship from dual nationals who may be associated with extremism or terrorism — discussed as potential posturing to placate hardliners.
Analysts are increasingly pointing to the AfD's growing influence as prompting the CDU and SPD to adopt similarly strict rhetoric on migration matters. According to Nicolay Büttner, head of political work and advocacy at Zentrum Überleben, there has been heightened fear and uncertainty among asylum seekers, as well as those involved in providing services to them. "The constitutional promise of equality is being permanently eroded," he noted, reflecting on the rising pressure to conform to far-right demands within Germany's mainstream political system.
Büttner highlighted the troubling dynamic where the successful appeal of the AfD's platform is not only shaping legislative discussions but instilling fear among new arrivals. His insights serve as reminders of the underlying tensions driving migration policy frameworks as they interact with public sentiment amid rising populism.
While the CDU emerged from the elections with the ability to shape the new government alongside the SPD, the immediate future of asylum seekers and migrants may not look as hospitable. The looming overlap of conservative policies and the tightening of border controls signify transformative shifts not just for legislative agendas but for the very fabric of society and the rights afforded to vulnerable populations.
The ability of the coalition to navigate these sensitive areas, especially concerning public safety narratives and the assumptions surrounding asylum seekers, will be pivotal moving forward. With the CDU defending its platform against both domestic and external pressures — particularly from the AfD — it remains to be seen how these policies will translate on the ground.
This coalition formation and Merz’s emphasis on stricter regulations encapsulate the growing consensus for tighter immigration control, positioning Germany at the epicenter of one of Europe’s most pressing challenges. The outcome of these negotiations, together with the societal ramifications of policy shifts, will be monitored closely as Germany prepares to tackle the interwoven issues of migration, integration, and national identity under the shadows of both historical memory and contemporary concerns.