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Event tip: Expert meeting with Stephanie Tonn in Frankfurt am Main on May 29, 2026


Behind every file lies a personal story, but behind every decision also stands a civil servant grappling with the limits of what is possible . The dynamics of immigration and naturalization law have reached a level of intensity in recent years that often overshadows professional discourse. However, this conflict is now to be defused by a new event organized by lawyer Stephanie Tonn . What began as a critical reflection in an episode of the podcast "Administration Works" has now developed into a concrete initiative with the potential to break down the entrenched barriers between the legal profession and government agencies. It's no longer just about listening through headphones, but about physical interaction in a protected, professionally grounded environment. As a law firm, we observe daily how friction at the interfaces of government reduces the efficiency of legal proceedings. Therefore, we are thrilled to announce an event that we consider an absolute must-attend event for experts : the first major conference on immigration and naturalization law in May 2026 in Frankfurt am Main .


The voice of the administration as a bridge builder

The initiator of this format is a well-known figure in the field. As a public voice for migration administration and a prominent podcaster, she has succeeded in making the often invisible mechanisms of bureaucratic logic transparent . Her approach does not aim to gloss over systemic shortcomings, but rather to analyze them from a position of administrative expertise. In legal practice, we often witness a form of speechlessness that leads directly to legal disputes. When the exchange of information on complex legal issues, such as the prognosis for securing a livelihood under Section 5 Paragraph 1 No. 1 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), only takes place via formal notices and statements of grounds for appeal , the nuances are lost. The author uses her platform to address precisely this issue and bring the dialogue back to where it belongs: to the direct, expert exchange between the actors who shape the system on a daily basis.


Understanding system logics instead of forcing blame

A key aspect that will be the focus of the upcoming expert meeting is the analysis of so-called system logics . Often, delayed processing or a restrictive interpretation of discretionary powers is misunderstood as personal failings or malicious intent. However, anyone familiar with the legal framework and the resource constraints in local authorities knows that the reasons usually lie deeper. The meeting in Frankfurt offers a rare opportunity to compare the legal perspective with administrative reality. We can only make progress professionally if we talk with each other, not about each other , in order to jointly identify the structural obstacles in the application of the Residence Act. This applies particularly to the highly sensitive areas of skilled worker immigration and the recent reforms in citizenship law , where the discrepancy between political will and administrative implementation is especially evident.


The action for failure to act as a symptom of a deeper crisis

In our daily work as lawyers, we regularly resort to the instrument of inaction proceedings under Section 75 of the German Administrative Court Procedure Act (VwGO ) when the legally prescribed processing deadlines are exceeded without sufficient justification . However, we must honestly ask ourselves whether the mere increase in litigation can solve the structural problems of migration administration or whether it merely pushes the limits of the courts' and authorities' capacity to cope. The expert meeting in May will provide a forum for these legal tensions that goes beyond purely procedural tactics. The aim is to find solutions that are consistent with the rule of law but also take into account the actual efficiency of the administration. The legal foundation of the discussions ensures that this is not merely a networking event, but a serious, high-level working session.


A look at Frankfurt: Practical relevance and legal depth

The choice of Frankfurt as the venue underscores the supra-regional significance of this meeting. In the heart of Germany, experts will convene to discuss issues of securing livelihoods , identity verification, and accelerated skilled worker procedures . The agenda is intentionally open to allow participants to set their own priorities. This participatory approach, initiated through registration via QR code and a survey of topic suggestions, reflects the modern spirit of the event. It is the transformation of a digital discourse into an in-person encounter that promises genuine added value for everyday legal practice . Anyone who wants to actively shape the future of migration law will find this exchange in May indispensable.


Conclusion: Dialogue as a strategic necessity

In summary, the conference in Frankfurt is far more than just a professional development event. It is the result of the consistent development of a dialogue that originated in a podcast format and is now being brought into the legal community. The realization that tensions in immigration law often stem from differing understandings of roles and resource allocation is the first step toward improvement. For us as visa law experts , one thing is clear: only through honest and legally sound discourse with the authorities can we represent our clients' interests more effectively in the long term and simultaneously contribute to a more stable legal system.


How we as a law firm can support Visaguard

As a specialized law firm in the field of visa law, we see ourselves not only as representatives of your legal interests, but also as intermediaries within a complex bureaucratic framework. Visaguard stands for excellent networking and a deep understanding of both the legal foundations and administrative practice. We support you throughout the entire process – from the strategic preparation of your application to the consistent enforcement of your rights before the administrative courts. Benefit from our expertise to confidently navigate the pitfalls of immigration law and leverage our involvement in leading expert networks.




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