German Parliament Debates Measures to Limit Illegal Immigration
Berlin, November 6, 2024 – The German parliament (Bundestag) held a debate on a package of measures aimed at limiting illegal immigration to the country. The measures were proposed by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)/Christian Social Union (CSU) parliamentary group.
The proposed legislation, known as the Zustrombegrenzungsgesetz (ZBG), would impose a cap on the number of asylum seekers that Germany can accept each year. It would also create a new category of “safe third countries,” to which asylum seekers would be returned if they had previously entered one of those countries. Additionally, the ZBG would increase penalties for people smuggling and make it easier to deport failed asylum seekers.
The CDU/CSU also proposed two non-binding motions: one calling for Germany to begin rejecting asylum seekers at its borders, and another demanding a comprehensive security package.
The debate on the measures was contentious, with the opposition parties criticizing the CDU/CSU’s proposals as inhumane and ineffective. The Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Green Party, and the Left Party all argued that the ZBG would violate Germany’s international obligations and would do little to address the root causes of illegal immigration.
The AfD, a far-right party, supported the CDU/CSU’s proposals but called for even stricter measures, such as closing Germany’s borders to all asylum seekers.
The Bundestag is expected to vote on the ZBG and the non-binding motions in the coming weeks. If passed, the ZBG would be the most significant change to Germany’s asylum laws in decades.
Background
The number of asylum seekers arriving in Germany has increased significantly in recent years. In 2022, over 200,000 people applied for asylum in Germany, the highest number since 2016. The CDU/CSU argues that the high number of asylum seekers is putting a strain on Germany’s resources and social cohesion.
The opposition parties argue that the increase in asylum seekers is due to factors such as the war in Ukraine and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. They also point out that Germany has a long history of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers.
The debate over illegal immigration is likely to continue in the run-up to the 2025 German federal election. The CDU/CSU has made immigration one of its key election issues, while the opposition parties have vowed to fight for a more humane and compassionate asylum policy.
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Drucksachen a new article on 2024-11-06 11:00 titled “20/13648: Beschlussempfehlung und Bericht a) zu dem Gesetzentwurf der Fraktion der CDU/CSU –Drucksache 20/12804 – Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Begrenzung des illegalen Zustroms von Drittstaatsangehörigen nach Deutschland (Zustrombegrenzungsgesetz) b) zu dem Antrag der Fraktion der CDU/CSU –Drucksache 20/12835 – Für eine echte Wende in der Asyl- und Migrationspolitik – Zurückweisungen an den deutschen Grenzen vornehmen c) zu dem Antrag der Fraktion der CDU/CSU –Drucksache 20/12961 – Ein umfassendes Sicherheitspaket jetzt beschließen – Was beim Sicherheitspaket der Koalition fehlt (PDF)”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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