In a significant shift in Germany's immigration policy, Alexander Dobrindt, the newly appointed Federal Minister of the Interior, announced on May 7, 2025, that asylum seekers can now be rejected at the country's borders. This decision marks a departure from a verbal directive issued in 2015 that prevented such actions. Dobrindt, a member of the Christian Social Union (CSU), emphasized that the goal of this policy is to combat illegal migration more effectively, stating, "It’s about clarity, consistency, and control."
Alongside this announcement, Dobrindt revealed plans to increase the number of federal police officers stationed at the borders, aiming to enhance security and enforcement. He noted that the current numbers of asylum applications remain unacceptably high, with 36,000 first-time applications recorded in the first quarter of 2025—30,000 fewer than the same period last year, yet still deemed excessive by the minister.
In a bid to address humanitarian concerns, Dobrindt clarified that there would be exceptions to the rejection policy for vulnerable groups, including children and pregnant women. He expressed his intent to gradually reduce the burden on the system, saying, "I want to ensure that the overload decreases step by step." This approach signals a broader shift in German immigration policy under the new government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Dobrindt also announced an initiative to tighten European asylum policy, indicating that while the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) is a step in the right direction, it requires further refinement. He did not provide specific details on how these changes would be implemented but stressed the urgency of the matter.
The legal implications of rejecting asylum seekers at the borders have sparked controversy. Critics argue that such measures could violate international obligations regarding refugee protection. The Bavarian Refugee Council has strongly condemned the plans, labeling them a "serious attack on the rule of law" and asserting that individuals expressing a desire for asylum at the border should not be turned away.
As the new policy unfolds, it has raised concerns among various sectors, including the economy. Business associations have voiced fears that increased border controls could disrupt cross-border trade and negatively impact commuters. Volker Treier, head of foreign trade at the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), noted that previous crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated how restricted border traffic could burden the economy.
Despite the backlash, some political figures have welcomed Dobrindt's stringent measures. Armin Schuster, Saxony's Minister of the Interior, praised the government's actions as a necessary step to address public concerns about illegal migration. He stated, "The intensification of border controls is a good day for Saxony—a long overdue step that we and other union-led states have long demanded."
On the international front, the Polish government has expressed strong opposition to Germany's new border policies. Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized the measures, arguing that they could lead to reciprocal actions at the Polish border. Tusk stated, "Germany will let in whom it wants. Poland will only let in whom it accepts," highlighting the potential for escalating tensions between neighboring countries over border control policies.
In response to these developments, Chancellor Merz reassured Poland of Germany's commitment to supporting the security of the EU's external borders, but he also called for a collaborative European solution to address illegal migration comprehensively.
The situation continues to evolve, with Dobrindt's announcement setting the stage for a potentially contentious debate on immigration policy in Germany and beyond. As the government prepares to implement these changes, the implications for asylum seekers and the broader European migration framework remain to be seen.
Meanwhile, the German public is divided on the issue, with many expressing concerns about the humanitarian impact of stricter border controls. As discussions unfold, the government faces the challenge of balancing security and humanitarian obligations while navigating the complex landscape of European immigration laws.
In the coming weeks, Dobrindt's policies will likely be scrutinized both domestically and internationally, as various stakeholders weigh in on the effectiveness and legality of the new measures. The government's approach to migration may redefine Germany's role in European asylum policy and set precedents for future administrations.
