Interim assessment: How Friedrich Merz's new government is taking action against immigrants

The new federal government is sending clear signals in migration and naturalization policy : The previous course, which emphasized integration and legally secure procedures, is being reversed or slowed down in key areas. People who live, work, and want to stay in Germany long-term are particularly affected. The developments of the past weeks and months demonstrate that the tide has shifted significantly – in some cases with massive consequences for those affected.

Setback in naturalization: “Turbo naturalization” on the verge of extinction

A central symbol of the old modernization course was the so-called " turbo-naturalization ": Those who had lived in Germany for three years , were very well integrated, and spoke German at a high level were to be able to naturalize more quickly. This option was seen as recognition of exceptional integration efforts – and as a signal that Germany was a modern immigration country.

Now the new government plans to abolish this option again . This not only means a longer waiting period for many well-integrated migrants, but also a regression in the social recognition of belonging. Instead of rewarding integration, it is being thwarted.

Criticism of Berlin: “Mass naturalizations” in the spotlight

The issue of naturalization is also under political pressure at the state level. In recent months, the Berlin administration has made significant progress in processing naturalization applications – partly through digitalization and pragmatic procedures. Thousands of applications have been decided, and long waiting times have been reduced. Instead of recognizing this success, Berlin is now facing sharp criticism. Federal politicians like Alexander Dobrindt speak of "mass naturalizations" and accuse the administration of being too lax in its approach to citizenship . This debate ignores the fact that every naturalization is legally reviewed – and that the high number is simply the result of years of backlogged procedures.

Lawsuit only after one year? Extension of the inaction period planned

A further attack on the rights of migrants is the planned amendment to the action for failure to act in citizenship law. Until now, applicants could file a lawsuit after three months of inaction by the authorities to force a decision. A Federal Council committee has proposed extending this deadline to twelve months . For those affected, this means even more waiting, even less pressure on overburdened or unwilling authorities, and even more uncertainty in an already stressful situation. The ability to take action against official inaction will thus be severely restricted.

Rejections at the border: rule of law under pressure

The development in the area of asylum law is particularly drastic. According to media reports, there is an increasing incidence of unlawful rejections of asylum seekers at the border – sometimes without the prescribed procedures . People seeking protection are being turned away without their reasons being examined. This is not only legally problematic, but also calls into question the basic humanitarian principles of German and European asylum law.

Conclusion: A turning point – but not for the better

The current shift in migration policy means setbacks rather than progress for many migrants. Whether it's naturalization, legal protection, or access to the asylum process – in many areas, what was built up over the past few years is currently being dismantled. Instead of promoting integration, mistrust is being fueled. Instead of accelerating procedures, they are being delayed. And instead of guaranteeing legal certainty, legal standards are being eroded. VISAGUARD observes these developments with concern – and continues to work to ensure that migrants in Germany are not left alone. We provide information, provide qualified legal advice, and support them on their journey through an increasingly difficult system.