Lunch Discussion: What Do the Federal Elections Mean for Germany as a Country of Immigration?

The "Traffic Light" coalition took office at the end of 2021 with the goal of revamping immigration policy. The aim was to place greater emphasis on the opportunities and potential of migration and on the rights of immigrants. During the first part of the legislative term, a number of corresponding reform proposals from the coalition agreement were passed. These included, for example, the “right of residence based on opportunity,” the further development of the Skilled Workers Immigration Act, and citizenship reform. However, other announced measures to ease restrictions—such as those regarding family reunification or the abolition of work bans—were never implemented, nor were other key initiatives for an immigration-friendly society, including the reform of the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) and the Federal Participation Act.

During the “traffic light” coalition’s term in office, the political debate became highly polarized. Even within political parties, there were fierce disputes over the correct course for migration, asylum, and integration policies. Limiting “irregular migration” was prioritized; border controls were introduced; deportations were further facilitated; and social benefits for some refugees were reduced. Vulnerable groups such as women, children, and people with disabilities are particularly affected by these developments.

At the same time, our research findings show that these political decisions have led not only to alienation from the elected government among parts of the immigrant population and civil society, but also to a loss of trust in the actions of state institutions as a whole.

The premature end of the “traffic light” coalition and the early elections are reshuffling the political deck, with implications for the areas of migration, integration, diversity, and political cohesion.

Against this backdrop, the DeZIM Institute invited members of the Bundestag from democratic parties to present and discuss their visions for migration policy in Germany as a country of immigration.

The discussion centered on the following questions:
   

• How is the “traffic light” coalition’s record on migration and immigration policy assessed? What impact does this have on women and children?
     
• What are the key challenges facing Germany as a country of immigration? Which issues will be particularly relevant over the next 10 to 15 years?
   
• Which policy areas are of particular importance for migration and immigration, and how can they be effectively shaped? What priorities do the various parties set out in their election platforms? 

We welcomed the following panelists: 

• Julian Pahlke (Alliance 90/The Greens) 
• Hakan Demir (SPD)
• Representative from the CDU/CSU (invited)
• Nursemin Sönmez (Executive Director of “neue deutsche organisationen – das postmigrantische netzwerk e.V.”)

Moderators: Dr. Marcus Engler and Özcan Karadeniz (DeZIM Institute)