Civil Society Organizations Urge New German Government to Adopt Responsible Migration Policy
Nearly 300 civil society organizations have issued a joint appeal to the incoming German federal government, urging them to adopt a responsible and humane migration policy. The organizations, representing a broad spectrum of German society, emphasize that immigrants and refugees are integral members of the country and belong to Germany. The appeal calls upon the Union (CDU/CSU) and the SPD (Social Democratic Party), the parties expected to form the next coalition government, to uphold their responsibility towards all people residing within Germany, as they have publicly pledged.
The organizations express deep concern that the marginalization of specific social groups undermines social cohesion, and they demand an end to discriminatory practices. The appeal explicitly rejects the notion that refugees and immigrants are the source of societal divisions. Instead, the organizations contend that the real culprit is a longstanding failure by successive governments to address structural and social problems comprehensively. This inaction, they argue, fuels feelings of insecurity and anxiety surrounding issues of asylum, flight, and migration. The organizations advocate for a functional asylum, reception, and integration policy to address these anxieties effectively.
The core demand of the civil society groups is a migration policy that acts responsibly, rather than endangering Germany’s open and diverse society. Key to such a policy, they assert, is the unwavering protection of the individual right to asylum, a cornerstone of international human rights law. The appeal firmly rejects practices such as border pushbacks, deportations to countries facing conflict and instability, and the imposition of a reverse burden of proof in asylum proceedings, which places an undue burden on asylum seekers.
The organizations directly address the stated intentions of the designated Federal Minister of the Interior, Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), who has announced plans to tighten border controls. These plans, the appeal notes, are despite existing warnings from the Federal Police about staffing shortages. The implementation of stricter controls is reportedly planned to coincide with Dobrindt’s first day in office. Furthermore, the organizations express concern about the prospective coalition’s intention to partially suspend family reunification for refugees.
In addition to upholding the right to asylum, the civil society groups emphasize the crucial need for the new government to prioritize the integration and reception of newcomers. The appeal calls for a comprehensive approach to integration, urging the government to provide security for families instead of hindering integration through the suspension of family reunification. The organizations advocate for fair access to naturalization and civic rights, enabling immigrants to fully participate in German society. They also stress the importance of investing in integration structures, such as language courses and support services for newcomers, to facilitate their successful integration into the labor market and social life.
The appeal highlights the economic potential of migration and calls for the new government to actively harness these opportunities. The organizations urge the removal of barriers to qualification recognition and employment for immigrants and refugees. They advocate for the permanent establishment of the "Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht" (Opportunity Residence Permit), which provides a pathway to legal residency for individuals who have been living in Germany without secure status. A central demand is a genuine "Spurwechsel" (change of track), entailing the consistent elimination of work bans for all refugees, enabling them to contribute to the German economy. Experts have repeatedly emphasized the critical role of immigration in addressing Germany’s skilled labor shortage.
The organizations strongly oppose the outsourcing of asylum procedures to third countries, arguing that this practice violates international law and undermines the principle of shared responsibility. Instead, they call for a fair and equitable distribution of responsibility for refugee protection on an international scale. The appeal underscores the collective responsibility for safeguarding an open and inclusive society. The organizations assert that defending democracy requires respecting and empowering civil society, particularly migrant self-organizations, which play a vital role in supporting and advocating for the rights of immigrants and refugees.
The signatories to the appeal represent a diverse range of organizations committed to human rights, social justice, and refugee protection. Prominent organizations include Pro Asyl, Amnesty International, Brot für die Welt (Bread for the World), Der Kinderschutzbund (German Child Protection Association), the Paritätische Gesamtverband (Parity Welfare Association), Caritas, Diakonie (the Protestant social welfare organization), Reporter ohne Grenzen (Reporters Without Borders), the Jesuit Refugee Service, Seebrücke (Sea-Bridge), Kindernothilfe (Child Welfare Fund), SOS Kinderdorf (SOS Children’s Villages), Misereor, and Terre des Hommes.
The appeal acknowledges that the number of asylum applications in Germany has significantly decreased in the past year. The trend has continued in the first months of 2025, with fewer people seeking protection in Germany compared to the same period in the previous year. Furthermore, the percentage of asylum seekers granted permanent protection status is also declining. Experts attribute these trends to the changing political situation in Syria, as well as the European Union’s deterrence policies, which aim to discourage asylum seekers from reaching Europe.
Despite the decline in asylum applications, the civil society organizations argue that the need for a responsible and humane migration policy remains paramount. They emphasize that Germany has a moral and legal obligation to protect refugees and uphold their fundamental rights. The appeal serves as a call to action for the new government to prioritize human dignity, social inclusion, and international cooperation in its approach to migration. The organizations stand ready to engage in constructive dialogue with the government and other stakeholders to promote a fair and just migration system that benefits both Germany and the individuals seeking refuge within its borders.
