CDU's 5-point plan against illegal migration - lawyer reacts

Bundestag elections will be held in Germany on February 23, 2025, and the political climate is heating up. The debate in the Bundestag on the topic of migration clearly shows that the political course is shifting further to the right. CDU leader Friedrich Merz presented a 5-point plan against illegal migration, which hardly differs from the AfD's migration policy demands.

What was the debate about?

The debate was triggered by several acts of violence committed by migrants. In response, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) criticized the authorities for a "lack of enforcement" in deportations and expulsions. Friedrich Merz, on the other hand, called for drastic measures to limit migration.

CDU: Tougher measures against illegal migration

Merz presented a 5-point plan that provides for:

1. Border controls and rejections: Refugees are to be turned away directly at Germany's borders if they do not have a visa or right of residence.
2. Entry bans for rejected asylum seekers: Anyone who has been rejected once should not be allowed to come to Germany again.
3. Detention for delinquent asylum seekers: Criminal migrants should be consistently detained pending deportation.
4. Daily deportations: Deportations are to be massively increased and carried out more quickly.
5. Restrictions on family reunification: Persons entitled to subsidiary protection (e.g. many Syrians) should no longer be able to bring their families to join them.

Differences between CDU and AfD barely recognizable

In terms of migration policy, the CDU and AfD hardly differ. Both are calling for a drastic reduction in immigration, stricter deportation regulations and a limit on family reunification. The only difference: Merz publicly rejects direct cooperation with the AfD - but at the same time pushes through measures that are supported by the AfD.

What does this mean for migrants in Germany?

• Family reunification will become more difficult: Those who are in Germany as beneficiaries of subsidiary protection will find it difficult to reunite with their families in future.
• Refugees are turned away at the borders: Anyone coming from safe third countries (e.g. Austria, Italy) should no longer be entitled to asylum.
• Dual citizenship in danger: CDU and AfD demand that migrants can lose their German citizenship if they commit crimes.
• Labor migration remains the only way: anyone who wants to come to Germany must find a legal residence opportunity through work or education.

What happens next?

The vote on the CDU's 5-point plan is scheduled for 31.01.2025. The question is whether the SPD and the Greens will go along with it or whether the CDU will form a majority together with the AfD. Migration policy will remain one of the key campaign issues until the federal elections.