dw.com
Germany Tightens Border Controls, Rejecting Asylum Seekers
On May 15, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced a stricter immigration policy, turning away asylum seekers at the border (except pregnant women and children), resulting in a 45% increase in rejected illegal entries in one week compared to the previous week; this is partly due to an increase of 3,000 border police officers, now totaling 14,000.
- How does the new German immigration policy relate to the previous approach and the rise of the AfD?
- The policy shift represents a departure from Angela Merkel's approach, aiming for a balance between humanitarian concerns and stricter border controls. Increased police presence (now 14,000 officers) and technological tools like drones and thermal imagers are being deployed. The policy is partly in response to the AfD's electoral success.
- What is the immediate impact of Germany's new stricter immigration policy on asylum seekers at the border?
- Germany's new Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, announced a stricter immigration policy, turning away asylum seekers at the border except for pregnant women and children. This follows 739 rejected illegal entries in a week, a 45% increase compared to the previous week, attributed to 3,000 additional border police.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of Germany's stricter immigration policy for its relations with neighboring countries and the EU's overall approach to immigration?
- Germany's stricter stance risks straining relations with neighbors like Poland, who prefer external EU border control. The long-term impact on asylum applications and EU-wide immigration policy remains uncertain, particularly given projections that asylum applications still exceed the government's target of 100,000 annually. The success of this approach hinges on collaboration with neighboring countries.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the new migration policy as a necessary and effective measure to combat 'illegal migration'. The headline (if one existed) likely emphasizes the government's tough stance. The choice to begin the article with the announcement of increased border controls and the quote "We will put an end to these machinations!" sets a strong tone of action against those seeking asylum. The reporting on the number of stopped attempts at illegal entry reinforces this narrative of success, while largely ignoring potential negative consequences or humanitarian aspects. The mention of Angela Merkel's previous policy is framed as a contrast to the current government's approach, portraying the new policies as a necessary correction.
Language Bias
The article employs strong, charged language that favors the government's perspective. Terms like "machinations," "illegal migration," and "contraband" are used repeatedly, contributing to a negative portrayal of migrants and asylum seekers. The use of "We will put an end to these machinations!" is particularly inflammatory. Neutral alternatives might include phrases like "irregular border crossings" or "asylum seekers." The consistent use of "illegal migration" instead of more precise terminology, like 'irregular migration', reinforces a negative connotation. The phrase 'war on illegal migration' also contributes to the negative framing.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the new government's perspective and actions, but omits the perspectives of migrants themselves. Their reasons for seeking asylum, their experiences at the border, and their overall situation are largely absent. This omission limits the reader's ability to fully understand the human impact of the new policies. Additionally, while the article mentions criticism from the SPD and Poland, it lacks a detailed exploration of alternative approaches or perspectives from other EU members or international organizations. This creates an incomplete picture of the European context surrounding migration policy.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy between 'illegal migration' and 'legitimate asylum seeking'. The narrative frames the issue as a simple battle against 'criminals' smuggling people, overlooking the complex reasons why people seek refuge and the nuances of immigration laws. The focus on 'illegal' versus 'legal' entry ignores the legitimate concerns of those who seek asylum through established channels but face lengthy delays or bureaucratic obstacles.
Gender Bias
The article does not show explicit gender bias in its descriptions or analysis. While it mentions an exception for pregnant women and children in the new border control policy, this does not inherently suggest bias, but rather highlights an aspect of the policy itself. However, the lack of female voices and perspectives in the analysis, besides the brief mention of Angela Merkel's past policy, is notable.
Sustainable Development Goals
The new German government's stricter immigration policy aims to combat illegal migration and human trafficking, contributing to stronger border security and potentially reducing crime associated with these activities. Increased police presence and technological enhancements also improve law enforcement capacity. However, potential negative impacts on human rights need consideration.