Key Takeaways
• Berlin court ruled Germany’s border expulsions of asylum seekers illegal on June 2, 2025.
• Chancellor Merz’s crackdown includes permanent border controls, rejecting illegal entries including asylum claims.
• Migration dropped 30% in 2024; skilled worker immigration rose 77% since 2021.
Germany’s Migration Crackdown Faces Legal and Political Hurdles
Chancellor Merz’s push for stricter migration controls in Germany 🇩🇪 has hit a major roadblock after a Berlin administrative court ruled against the government’s recent border expulsions. This decision, delivered on June 2, 2025, has raised important questions about the future of Germany’s migration crackdown, the country’s legal obligations under European Union law, and the broader impact on immigrants, asylum seekers, and German society.
Below, we break down what happened, why it matters, and what it means for people affected by these policies.
Court Ruling Challenges Chancellor Merz’s Migration Crackdown
On June 2, 2025, the Berlin administrative court found that German border police acted unlawfully when they sent three Somali asylum seekers back to Poland. The court’s main points were:
- Germany should have processed the asylum applications under the European Union’s Dublin rules, which decide which EU country is responsible for handling an asylum claim.
- People who apply for asylum during border checks inside Germany cannot be turned away. Once someone is on German territory and asks for asylum, the law says their claim must be considered.
- The expulsions broke EU asylum laws, which set clear rules for how asylum seekers must be treated.
This ruling is a direct challenge to Chancellor Merz’s migration crackdown, which aimed to turn away nearly all undocumented migrants at the border, including those seeking asylum.
Chancellor Merz responded on June 3, 2025, saying the court’s decision “possibly further restricted the scope for maneuver,” but insisted that border controls would continue “within the framework of European law” and that public safety would remain a top priority. He made it clear that his government would keep trying to turn away people at the border, but would have to adjust its approach to fit the court’s decision.
What Is Chancellor Merz’s Migration Policy?
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who took office after his conservative party’s win in February 2025, promised voters he would take a much tougher stance on migration. His main policies include:
- Permanent border controls: The Interior Ministry was ordered to keep all of Germany’s borders under constant control.
- Turning back all illegal entries: The government tried to reject “all attempts at illegal entry without exception,” including people asking for asylum.
- Entry ban for undocumented migrants: A government order in May 2025 aimed to stop undocumented migrants from entering Germany.
- Immediate rejections at the border: The policy was to send people back right away if they didn’t have the right documents.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt defended these actions even after the court ruling, saying the government was acting to protect public safety. The crackdown came after several violent incidents involving immigrants, which increased public pressure for stricter controls.
Political Pressures and Public Debate
Chancellor Merz’s migration crackdown is a big change from the “Refugees Welcome” approach Germany 🇩🇪 took during the 2015 migrant crisis under former Chancellor Angela Merkel. Several factors have shaped the current policy:
- Pressure from the far-right AfD party: The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party came second in the February 2025 election, winning about 20% of the vote. Their strong anti-immigration stance has pushed other parties to take a harder line.
- Public worries about migration: Polls show that migration is one of the top concerns for German voters.
- Desire to look tough on borders: The government wants to show it is serious about border control, but also wants to avoid being seen as extreme.
Opponents of Merz’s policies, like the pro-immigration group Pro Asyl, say the crackdown is “unlawful, contrary to European law,” and should be stopped. Karl Kopp from Pro Asyl called on the Interior Ministry to “put an end to this nonsense,” using the court’s decision as proof that the government’s approach is illegal.
Migration Trends: Numbers and Patterns
Recent statistics show how migration to Germany 🇩🇪 is changing:
- Asylum applications dropped by 30% in 2024 compared to the year before, with 229,751 people applying for asylum.
- Deportations increased: 18,384 people were deported in the first 11 months of 2024, up from 16,430 in all of 2023.
- Large numbers of Ukrainian refugees: By the end of February 2025, Germany had taken in 1,252,954 people fleeing the war in Ukraine 🇺🇦.
- More skilled workers arriving: Immigration of skilled workers has gone up by 77% since 2021, according to Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.
- Border rejections: The Federal Police have stopped about 50,000 people at internal Schengen border checks.
These numbers show that while fewer people are applying for asylum, Germany is still seeing high numbers of arrivals, especially from Ukraine 🇺🇦 and among skilled workers.
Germany’s Legal Framework for Immigration
Germany’s immigration system is built on several key laws and rules:
- German Immigration Act (2005): This law covers who can enter and stay in Germany, including rules for asylum seekers.
- Skilled Immigration Act (2020, reformed 2023): This law makes it easier for qualified workers from outside the EU to come to Germany. It introduced the “Opportunity Card” (Chancenkarte), a points-based system that looks at a person’s skills, experience, and potential.
- Dublin rules: These EU rules decide which country must process an asylum claim. Usually, it’s the first EU country the person entered.
- Schengen Area: Germany is part of the Schengen Area, which normally allows free movement between member countries, but border checks can be brought back in special cases.
As of 2021, more than 5.2 million foreigners in Germany did not need a special residency permit because they could move freely within the EU. Over 2.5 million had unlimited residence permits.
For more details on Germany’s immigration laws and procedures, readers can visit the official Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) website.
Integration: Support and Ongoing Challenges
Germany 🇩🇪 has put a lot of effort into helping newcomers settle in:
- Integration courses: The government offers courses to help migrants learn German and understand life in Germany. These courses have seen record numbers of participants.
- National Action Plan on Integration (2012): This plan measures how well migrants are doing in areas like education, work, and culture.
- Meseberg Declaration on Integration (2016): This policy says the government will offer support, but migrants must also make an effort to fit in.
Despite these programs, problems remain. In 2021, there were 646 cases of bodily harm with a xenophobic (anti-foreigner) background, showing that some migrants still face hostility and do not always feel safe.
Legal and Practical Implications of the Court Ruling
The Berlin administrative court’s decision has several important effects:
- Limits on border rejections: The government cannot simply turn away people who ask for asylum at the border. Their claims must be processed in Germany if they are already on German soil.
- Pressure to change policies: The government must adjust its approach to fit EU law and the court’s decision, or risk more legal challenges.
- Uncertainty for border police: Officers now have to be more careful about following the law when dealing with asylum seekers, which could slow down border checks.
Chancellor Merz has said his government will keep enforcing border controls, but only “within the framework of European law.” This means Germany will have to find a balance between strict controls and respecting the rights of asylum seekers.
Stakeholder Impacts: Who Is Affected?
- Asylum seekers: The court ruling is good news for people seeking protection in Germany. It means they cannot be sent back at the border if they ask for asylum on German territory.
- Migrants and refugees: The government’s tough stance and increased deportations make it harder for undocumented migrants to stay in Germany.
- Employers and skilled workers: The rise in skilled worker immigration is positive for businesses that need more staff, but ongoing political debates could make future rules less predictable.
- German society: The debate over migration remains heated, with some people wanting stricter controls and others calling for more openness and support for newcomers.
The European Context: Common Asylum System and EU Law
Germany’s migration policies are closely tied to European Union rules. The Dublin system decides which country handles asylum claims, and the new Common European Asylum System aims to make rules more consistent across the EU.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has said the new EU system is “key to further limitations and controls as well as strong protection of the EU’s external borders.” This means Germany will have to work with other EU countries to manage migration, share responsibility, and protect borders.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Germany’s Migration Policy?
The future of Chancellor Merz’s migration crackdown is now uncertain. The government faces several big questions:
- How will border controls change? The government must find ways to enforce border checks without breaking EU law or court rulings.
- Will there be more legal challenges? Other parts of the migration crackdown could be challenged in court if they do not follow EU rules.
- Can Germany balance skilled worker needs with public concerns? The country needs more workers, but many voters want stricter migration controls.
- How will the EU’s new asylum system affect Germany? As the EU updates its rules, Germany will have to adjust its own laws and practices.
Practical Guidance for Migrants and Stakeholders
If you are planning to move to Germany 🇩🇪, seek asylum, or hire foreign workers, here are some steps to consider:
- Check the latest rules: Policies can change quickly. Always look at official government websites, like the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), for up-to-date information.
- Know your rights: If you are an asylum seeker, you have the right to have your claim processed if you apply on German territory.
- Employers should review skilled worker programs: The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) and other skilled worker visas may offer new ways to bring in talent. You can find the official Opportunity Card application form on the BAMF website.
- Stay informed about legal changes: Court decisions and new EU rules can affect who can enter, stay, or work in Germany.
Conclusion: A Time of Change and Uncertainty
Germany 🇩🇪 is at a turning point in its migration policy. Chancellor Merz’s migration crackdown has run into strong legal and political resistance, especially after the Berlin administrative court’s ruling. The government must now adjust its approach to fit both domestic demands for stricter controls and the legal requirements of the European Union.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing debates about how to balance public safety, economic needs, and human rights. For migrants, employers, and anyone interested in Germany’s future, it is important to stay informed and seek reliable advice as the country’s migration landscape continues to evolve.
Learn Today
Dublin rules → EU regulations determining which country is responsible for processing asylum applications.
Asylum seeker → A person requesting protection in a country due to fear of persecution.
Schengen Area → A group of European countries allowing free movement without border checks under normal circumstances.
Opportunity Card → A points-based system easing skilled workers’ immigration to Germany.
Berlin administrative court → The legal authority that ruled Germany’s border expulsions unlawful in June 2025.
This Article in a Nutshell
Germany’s tough migration policies face setbacks after a court ruling halted illegal border expulsions of asylum seekers. Chancellor Merz pledges to continue controls but must adapt to EU law, balancing public safety with migrants’ rights in a politically charged environment.
— By VisaVerge.com
