On Friday, the German Parliament's lower house voted decisively to suspend family reunification for many migrants, marking a significant policy shift under the conservative-led government. The vote, which resulted in 444 in favor and 135 against, specifically affects migrants holding "subsidiary protection," a status that is less comprehensive than full asylum. This legislative change is part of a broader initiative by the new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, to adopt a tougher stance on migration in Germany.
As of the end of March, more than 388,000 individuals in Germany were living under subsidiary protection, a status predominantly granted to those fleeing conflicts such as the ongoing civil war in Syria. The government's proposal to suspend family reunification for a period of two years will effectively halt a system established in 2018, which allowed up to 1,000 close relatives per month to join these migrants. Previously, such reunifications were carried out on a case-by-case basis, assessed on humanitarian grounds, rather than being an automatic right.
Chancellor Merz has made migration reform a cornerstone of his administration since taking office in early May. Following his election campaign in February, he emphasized the necessity of stricter border controls. The initial steps taken by his government included increasing police presence at Germany's borders and declaring that some asylum-seekers attempting to enter the country would be turned away. The legislation approved on Friday represents the first major action taken by his government concerning migration policy.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt defended the newly passed legislation, arguing that it would prevent around 12,000 individuals per year from relocating to Germany. He framed the decision as a means to disrupt human smuggling networks, which often exploit the family's right to reunification as a pull factor for migrants seeking entry into Germany. Dobrindt noted the importance of limiting Germany's capacity for integration and argued that the current approach addresses a significant incentive that encourages people to migrate to Germany, even when they are aware that they may not qualify for full refugee status.
The reaction to the government's legislative move has been divided. Opposition lawmakers, particularly from the Liberal and Green parties, condemned the action, with Marcel Emmerich of the Greens describing the policy as an assault on the family unit, which he characterized as a central pillar of society. He emphasized that genuine integration necessitates family unity, arguing that separating families undermines efforts to promote societal cohesion.
On the other end of the political spectrum, the far-right Alternative for Germany party characterized the legislation as a minimal but positive step toward addressing migration concerns. German governments have faced ongoing pressure to regulate migration, especially as shelters across the country filled up with asylum seekers. This challenge has persisted despite measures implemented by the previous administration, led by Olaf Scholz, which included stricter checks at borders.
Following a general decline in asylum applications—from 329,120 in 2022 to 229,751 in the subsequent year—Germany continues to grapple with changes in its migration policy landscape. The government's new legislative moves signify an ongoing debate about balancing humanitarian obligations with national immigration control.
