Germany is deliberating the establishment of fixed border checkpoints to stem the tide of illegal immigration flowing through Poland and the Czech Republic. On Friday, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced this potential measure in a bid to tackle the growing concern.
Speaking to the “Welt am Sonntag” newspaper, Faeser indicated that such checkpoints could serve as a robust mechanism to combat the crime of smuggling migrants. She highlighted that Germany had previously strengthened its police presence along the borders with these neighboring countries to address the influx of illegal immigrants.
Faeser drew a distinction between legitimate asylum seekers and those entering the country unlawfully. She clarified that stricter controls do not signify a halt to the intake of asylum applicants. Faeser stressed the importance of evaluating asylum requests on German soil, describing it as a “clear legal obligation.”
Further, she emphasized the crucial role of safeguarding the European Union’s external boundaries and championed the idea of a “joint asylum system.”
On a related note, during a visit to Sicily, Italy — a key entry point for many migrants crossing the Mediterranean — German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier remarked that Germany is grappling with a significant “migration surge.”
Migration has been a contentious issue in Europe, particularly since the 2015 refugee crisis when large numbers of migrants made perilous journeys to the continent. Germany, under Chancellor Angela Merkel’s leadership, adopted a welcoming stance, taking in over a million refugees. This move was both lauded for its humanitarian approach and criticized for its perceived impact on domestic resources and security. As migration dynamics evolve and new routes emerge, countries like Germany are constantly reassessing their border policies to strike a balance between humanitarian aid, legal obligations, and national security.
