CDU responds to essential questions on asylum and refugee policy, as addressed by Jürgen Hardt

In the face of a growing migration crisis, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has proposed a change of course in Germany's asylum and refugee policy. The party, in a position paper, has outlined several concrete demands aimed at implementing stricter border controls and a more orderly asylum system.

The CDU's proposals come amidst increasing concern over terrorist attacks in Germany, with the recent incident in Solingen leaving the nation bewildered about how to deal with the rising threat. The party's stance is a stark contrast to its past decisions during the refugee crisis in 2015/2016.

One of the key proposals by the CDU is the deportation of Syrian and Afghan refugees who are subject to deportation to their home countries. The party also suggests a time-unlimited departure detention for criminals and dangerous individuals who resist their return obligation. This measure, according to the CDU, is not considered a constitutional inadmissible deprivation or restriction of liberty.

The CDU also proposes the implementation of the concept of the "safe third country", transferring asylum seekers from Germany to safe third countries outside of Europe for their asylum procedures. This measure is designed to ease the pressure on Germany's asylum system.

Another significant proposal is the mandatory loss of residence status for refugees who voluntarily travel to their home countries. The CDU argues that each trip damages the acceptance of asylum law in Germany.

Despite these tough measures, the CDU has made it clear that it does not demand a change to the asylum law in the Basic Law. In 2023, only 120 Syrians and 523 Afghans were granted asylum status in accordance with Art. 16a of the Basic Law.

The CDU has offered cooperation to Chancellor Scholz and presented their demands in a position paper. The party's latest significant effort to change migration laws was their attempt in January 2025 to pass the so-called "Zustrombegrenzungsgesetz" (influx limitation law), supported also by votes from AfD, FDP, and BSW.

Germany is currently grappling with a severe migration crisis, with over 596,000 asylum seekers and more than 1.1 million war refugees from Ukraine in the past two years. Almost every second asylum seeker comes from Syria or Afghanistan.

In a bid to alleviate this crisis, the traffic light coalition plans to allow around 1,000 people from Afghanistan to enter Germany each month via the voluntary "Federal Resettlement Program Afghanistan". These programs can be suspended by the federal government without a decision by the Bundestag.

The CDU's proposals have sparked debate, with some arguing that they are necessary to ensure the safety and security of the German people, while others fear they may infringe upon human rights and international obligations. Regardless, the CDU's position paper underscores the urgency of addressing Germany's migration crisis.

In the first seven months of 2024, more than 140,000 people have submitted an asylum application in Germany. The CDU's proposals, if implemented, could significantly impact this number and the future of Germany's asylum and refugee policy.

CDU responds to essential questions on asylum and refugee policy, as addressed by Jürgen Hardt