Germany Leads the Way in Immigration Suspension
In a historic first for the European Union (EU), Germany has taken the lead in suspending immigration, a move expected to be followed by other EU nations.
The Schengen Zone
The Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries, is known for its abolished border controls at mutual borders.
Immigration Crackdown
Germany has announced plans to tighten controls at all of its land borders in an attempt to address irregular migration and protect the public from threats such as Islamist extremism. These controls within the European Schengen zone will commence on September 16 and initially last for six months, according to Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. The government has also devised a scheme to reject more migrants directly at German borders.
This is part of a series of measures Germany has taken to toughen its stance on irregular migration in recent years, particularly in response to a surge in arrivals from people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East. Recent knife attacks carried out by asylum seekers have heightened concerns over immigration.
Political Implications
The government's move appears to be a symbolic gesture to Germans and potential migrants that the latter are no longer welcome in the country, according to Marcus Engler at the German Centre for Integration and Migration Research. This comes as the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) are battling to retain control of the government in the upcoming state elections in Brandenburg, a vote seen as a test of the SPD's strength ahead of next year's federal election.
From "We Can Do This" to "No Longer Wanted"
The shift in Germany's stance on immigration is significant, moving from Chancellor Angela Merkel's "We Can Do This" to the current "No Longer Wanted" position. This comes as Germany faces pressure to crack down on immigration by stopping refugees at the border. The Schengen rules require an over-riding national security interest for such measures.
The impact of this move will be substantial. Austria has already stated it will not accept any immigrants rejected by Germany, which suggests it will likely close its border as well. Other countries to the east and south-east of Germany are expected to follow suit.
Legal Implications
The border closures do not come with a change in current laws. German border guards will have to admit anyone who mentions the word asylum. However, Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU and leader of the opposition to the current Traffic Light Coalition, wants to go much further. He proposes that the police should be able to reject people who claim asylum, arguing that Germany's borders only with safe countries make it technically impossible for anyone to claim asylum at a German land border.
Concerns in the US
Meanwhile, in the United States, concerns about immigration have risen sharply this year, with half of Americans saying that the large number of immigrants and refugees entering the country is a "critical threat" to U.S. interests. This is the highest level since 2010, according to a poll by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
Bottom Line
Germany's decision to tighten border controls and suspend immigration is a significant move that could have far-reaching implications, not just for Germany, but for the entire EU. It raises questions about the future of the Schengen Area and the EU's approach to immigration. What are your thoughts on this development? Share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is everyday at 6pm.
Germany Leads the Way in Immigration Suspension
In a historic first for the European Union (EU), Germany has taken the lead in suspending immigration, a move expected to be followed by other EU nations.
