A significant majority of Germans support new government measures aimed at turning away asylum seekers at the country’s borders, according to a recent YouGov poll conducted for Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa). The survey results come amid growing political momentum to tighten Germany’s immigration policies under the new coalition government.
Widespread Public Support for Border Crackdown
The study, conducted between May 9 and 12, found that 75% of German voters support the controversial move initiated by new Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. Of those surveyed, 50% said they fully support the new policy, while 25% said they somewhat approve.
Only 16% of respondents opposed the measures, while 9% were undecided or did not provide an opinion. The poll surveyed approximately 2,200 eligible voters across Germany.
Germany’s New Coalition Cracks Down on Irregular Migration
The tougher border regulations are part of the agenda of Germany’s newly formed coalition government, made up of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Alexander Dobrindt’s Bavaria-based Christian Social Union (CSU), and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD). The coalition has vowed to take stronger and more effective action against irregular migration and asylum abuse.
Shortly after assuming office, Interior Minister Dobrindt issued directives to the federal police authorizing them to deny entry to asylum seekers at German borders, a measure that has stirred both domestic approval and international criticism.
Exemptions for Vulnerable Groups
Despite the strict new stance, the policy does make humanitarian exceptions. Women with small children, heavily pregnant women, the seriously ill, and other vulnerable groups are exempt from being turned away at the border. Authorities stress that while the new policy is firm, it still aligns with Germany’s commitment to basic human rights and international obligations.
Border Checks Intensify; Neighbors React
The federal police have intensified border checks, particularly at entry points shared with Austria, Poland, and Switzerland. These neighboring countries have voiced criticism, arguing that Germany’s unilateral action may disrupt cross-border cooperation and refugee processing mechanisms within the Schengen Zone.
Still, domestic support remains strong, reflecting a growing concern among the German public over uncontrolled migration, border security, and integration challenges.
Why Is Germany Tightening Asylum Policies?
Germany has experienced a surge in migration over the past decade, particularly during the 2015 refugee crisis. With public pressure mounting to reform the system and ensure national security, politicians across the spectrum have been pushing for more structured and selective immigration policies.
Under the new coalition, the government plans to:
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Strengthen external border controls
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Streamline asylum procedures
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Accelerate deportations of rejected asylum seekers
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Enhance cooperation with EU neighbors
Political Ramifications and EU Tensions
Germany’s pivot toward stricter asylum policies may have broader implications for European Union migration policy, especially with rising tensions among member states over burden-sharing and legal pathways for refugees.
Analysts warn that while Germany’s move may curb irregular migration, it could also strain diplomatic ties with neighboring states and provoke legal challenges under EU and international law.
Clear mandate
The YouGov survey underscores a clear mandate from the German public in favor of tighter asylum controls. As Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt rolls out new measures, Germany finds itself at a critical crossroads—balancing national interest and humanitarian duty in an increasingly polarized migration debate.
