Germany Announces New Immigration Border Checks to Block Illegals & Asylum Seekers

Germany has announced new immigration border checks as part of a broader effort to combat cross-border crime.

This move marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to border security and immigration control. While Germany has long been a central player in the Schengen Area—a zone that allows for the free movement of people across much of Europe—this new initiative introduces a level of scrutiny not seen in recent years.

The decision comes in response to rising concerns over illegal migration, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other forms of cross-border crime.

Context and Background

Germany is located in the heart of Europe, sharing borders with nine other countries, including France, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

Being at the crossroads of Europe, Germany has been an entry point for both legal and illegal migration. In 2015, the country famously opened its doors to hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants, primarily from war-torn regions in the Middle East and Africa.

However, this decision has had long-lasting political, social, and security ramifications. The influx of migrants raised concerns about integration, terrorism, and crime, and these concerns have influenced Germany’s immigration policies ever since.

The Schengen Agreement, of which Germany is a part, is one of the European Union’s cornerstones, allowing for open borders between 27 European countries.

While this has fostered economic growth and made travel more convenient, it has also created vulnerabilities that criminal networks can exploit. Criminal groups involved in human trafficking, drug smuggling, and even terrorism have taken advantage of these open borders, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track and prevent illegal activities.

Germany’s Decision for Border Checks

The German government’s decision to increase immigration checks at its borders aims to address these growing concerns. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized that the move is not intended to undermine the Schengen Agreement but to protect it.

The checks will be conducted at Germany’s borders with countries like Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic, and they are intended to disrupt the activities of human traffickers and other criminal organizations.

One of the key drivers behind the new border checks is the rising number of illegal migrants crossing into Germany from neighboring countries.

Many of these individuals are believed to have entered the European Union through countries with weaker border controls before making their way to Germany.

Some are trafficked by organized criminal networks that operate across multiple borders. By introducing these checks, the German government hopes to break up these networks and reduce the number of people entering the country illegally.

The new checks are expected to be carried out selectively, meaning that not every individual crossing the border will be stopped and questioned.

Instead, authorities will rely on intelligence to target individuals and vehicles that are considered suspicious. The checks will also be coordinated with other EU countries, particularly those that share borders with Germany, to ensure a unified approach to tackling cross-border crime.

Criticism and Support

Germany’s decision has garnered both support and criticism. Supporters argue that the move is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the country.

They point out that open borders have made it easier for criminals to move freely across Europe, and more stringent checks are needed to combat this. Proponents also argue that the checks will protect migrants themselves by disrupting human trafficking networks and preventing exploitation.

On the other hand, critics warn that the new checks could erode the principles of free movement within the Schengen Area.

They fear that this could lead to a slippery slope where more countries reintroduce border controls, ultimately undermining the European Union’s vision of open borders. There are also concerns about racial profiling and discrimination, as selective checks may disproportionately target individuals based on their appearance or ethnicity.

European Response

The European Union has so far supported Germany’s decision, acknowledging the challenges posed by cross-border crime and illegal migration. However, the EU has also emphasized the need for these measures to remain temporary and proportionate.

Brussels has called for more comprehensive reform of the EU’s external borders, urging countries to improve their asylum systems and better coordinate their efforts to combat trafficking and smuggling.

Other European countries are closely watching Germany’s actions, and it remains to be seen whether they will follow suit. Austria has already expressed support for increased border controls, while countries like Poland and Hungary have long advocated for stricter immigration policies.

Germany’s decision to reintroduce border checks signals a significant shift in its approach to immigration and border security.

While the move is intended to combat cross-border crime and protect both citizens and migrants, it also raises important questions about the future of open borders in Europe.

The balance between security and freedom of movement will continue to be a major issue for Germany and the European Union in the years to come.

How effectively Germany can address cross-border crime without undermining the Schengen Agreement will serve as a litmus test for the entire region.

Main Image: By ChrisO – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7822385

Click here for more News & Current Affairs at EU Today

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

YouTube:    https://www.youtube.com/@eutoday1049