Germany parliament passes motion for stricter immigration laws News
tvjoern / Pixabay
Germany parliament passes motion for stricter immigration laws

Germany’s parliament passed a motion for stricter migration rules on Wednesday. The nonbinding motion, backed by the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD), calls for permanent border control, rejection of all undocumented immigrants, and detention of “those who must leave.” It was passed with 348 votes in favor and 344 votes against.

The motion described the current immigration policies as “clearly dysfunctional” and described measures to implement immediate measures to end illegal immigration. According to the motion, all those who attempt to enter the nation without the proper documentation must not be allowed to, regardless of circumstances. Further, police would be allowed to apply for deportation warrants directly.

The passing of the motion represents a break in the Brandmauer, or firewall, that German political parties have traditionally kept against far-right parties such as AfD, in order to prevent the advent of right-wing extremism in the country. AfD in particular, espouses extreme anti-immigration and anti-foreigner views, with members being fined for using Nazi slogans.

Right-wing parties in Germany have been increasingly taking anti-immigration stances, with parties calling for a total pause on the entry of refugees. Following a terror attack in Solingen, Chancellor Olaf Schulz stated that the government would be conducting faster deportation of illegal immigrants, in order to combat increasing security concerns.

The motion, which passed with the support of Afd, Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU), has been condemned by left-wing parties and Chancellor Olaf Schulz, who claimed that such measures would violate European law. Following the vote, protestors gathered outside the headquarters of CDU, with the slogan “Firewall over arson,” in support of upholding the firewall, while several opposition party leaders condemned CDU for allying with AfD.

Security authorities in Germany have also expressed doubt over the feasibility of implementing the motion. Given the system’s lack of resources to process and conduct such an operation, it may overwhelm the system.

THIS DAY @ LAW

11th Amendent to US Constitution ratified

On February 7, 1795, the 11th Amendment to the United States Constitution took effect with ratification by North Carolina. Adopted in the aftermath of the US Supreme Court's ruling in Chisholm v. Georgia, the amendment limited the jurisdiction of the federal courts to automatically hear cases brought against a state by the citizens of another state. Learn more about the meaning and history of the 11th Amendment from the National Constitution Center.

Maastricht Treaty signed, creating EU

On February 7, 1992, the Maastricht Treaty was signed by the members of the European Community, creating the European Union. Officially called the Treaty on the European Union, the original Maastricht Treaty went into force on November 1, 1993. The current Maastricht Treaty includes amendments from later EU treaties.