Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 9, 2024 5:45 am GMT
Germany is set to implement stricter border controls across all its land borders starting September 16, 2023, in a move aimed at curbing irregular migration and enhancing national security. This decision follows a knife attack in Solingen in August that resulted in three fatalities and raised concerns over immigration policies in the country. The attack, claimed by the Islamic State group, involved a suspect who was a Syrian national facing deportation after a failed asylum claim. The introduction of these measures comes at a time when political pressure is mounting for the German government to adopt a tougher stance on immigration.
New Measures in Response to Violence
The German Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, announced that the new border controls would last for six months, echoing the government’s commitment to “take a hard line against irregular migration.” Faeser emphasized that the primary objective of these checks is to reduce instances of Islamist extremism and cross-border crime, insisting that the government is acting decisively to protect its citizens. “We are doing everything in our power to protect the people of our country against these threats,” she stated.
Political Context and Recent Elections
This significant shift in policy was announced shortly after the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gained considerable ground in recent local elections. The AfD’s success, marking a resurgence of far-right sentiment, has prompted Germany’s mainstream political parties to reassess their immigration strategies. The governing coalition, comprised of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and other parties, appears to have interpreted the electoral results as a call to adopt a stricter approach towards immigration and border management.
In response, the German government is already under scrutiny for previously allowing a substantial influx of asylum seekers. Germany welcomed over one million refugees primarily fleeing conflicts in Syria during the 2015-2016 migrant crisis and has taken in approximately 1.2 million Ukrainians since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The shifting political landscape and rising support for the AfD have led to discussions on proposals that would have seemed improbable not long ago, including suggestions from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to turn away all asylum seekers at the border, regardless of their eligibility for asylum.
Details of the Border Checks
Under the upcoming border measures, police will conduct routine checks at all major crossings with Germany’s nine neighboring countries—Poland, Austria, France, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Historically, individuals could cross these borders without additional checks due to Germany’s participation in the Schengen area, which promotes free movement among member states. However, this new policy indicates a significant shift toward reinstating more controlled borders in reaction to both security concerns and political pressures.
According to German authorities, there was a sharp increase in irregular migration incidents over the past year, with over 250,000 people reportedly entering the country illegally. Faeser indicated that the new controls would likely lead to an increase in the number of people being turned away at the border.
Reaction to the Government’s Plan
While the government argues that these measures are necessary for safety and security, critics of the policy assert that it reflects political motivations rather than genuine concerns for public safety. Many argue that the focus on immigration and border security may serve as a distraction from deeper social and economic issues facing the country. The historical context also looms large, as lawmakers grapple with the implications of their policies in relation to Germany’s complex legacy concerning immigration.
Broader Implications for Immigration Policy
In addition to bolstering border controls, the German government has announced a series of policy changes aimed at streamlining the immigration process. Notable among these is a shift in rules regarding welfare benefits for asylum seekers facing deportation, as well as the resumption of deportations for convicted asylum seekers to their native countries, including Afghanistan. This decision marks notable progress in Germany’s immigration policy, especially since the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan, which had halted such deportations.
As concerns over security and immigration policies gain traction, the upcoming elections will likely signify a critical juncture for Germany’s political landscape. The public response to the newly implemented border measures, coupled with rising support for right-wing political movements, will shape future discussions on immigration and national security in Germany.
Conclusion: A Period of Uncertainty
Germany is now putting stricter rules at its borders, and this is part of a bigger trend happening in Europe. Many governments are feeling pressure about immigration issues. The AfD party’s successful campaign shows how changes in politics can really affect what laws are made. As Germany starts this six-month time of checking borders more closely, it’s not clear yet how these actions will affect the country’s own rules and its relationship with the rest of the European Union. Things are changing quickly, and both the government and the people will be paying close attention to how everything plays out in the coming months.
