Municipalities Push for Stricter Migration Controls

Municipalities across Germany are calling for a significant reduction in irregular migration. They emphasize the need to limit family reunification to cases of genuine hardship. Additionally, they advocate for enhanced integration efforts, including full funding for language and integration courses.

The issue has revealed stark policy differences between states led by the SPD and those by the CDU. Brandenburg's Interior Minister, Michael Stübgen, criticizes SPD-led states for not supporting the Union's core demands. Meanwhile, Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser highlights a 40% decrease in asylum applications and a 20% increase in deportations compared to the previous year.

The CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, faces criticism for shifting its stance during the election campaign. Despite these political differences, the call for more stringent migration policies is a recurring theme. The interior ministers' conference in Rheinsberg is set to further discuss these pressing issues.

Municipal associations demand concrete measures from the federal government and states to manage migration more effectively. They propose curbing family reunification, enhancing deportation processes, and increasing the number of deportation detention centers. They also stress the importance of providing more language courses, childcare, school places, and healthcare services for migrants.

The state of Thuringia has already reduced asylum seeker intake by 32% while increasing deportations by 51% compared to the previous year. This move aligns with broader demands from municipalities for stricter migration regulations. As discussions continue, the focus remains on balancing humanitarian concerns with effective migration management.