Germany has initiated a stricter immigration policy, leading to the rejection of asylum seekers at its borders with neighboring European countries. This marks the first action of its kind since the new government implemented tighter immigration controls. According to data reported by Bild am Sonntag, out of 365 undocumented entries, 286 migrants and refugees were turned back on a Thursday and Friday. Among those rejected, 19 had applied for asylum. Common reasons for rejection included lacking a valid visa, possessing fake documents, or having an entry suspension.

In addition to rejecting asylum seekers, German authorities detained 14 smugglers, executed 48 open arrest warrants, and apprehended nine individuals under extremism laws targeting various ideologies. However, four claimants classified as "vulnerable" were permitted to enter the country. Border checks have been intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, with further enhancements implemented in September.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to enforce permanent controls at all nine of Germany's land borders to curb illegal migrant entries. Merz argues that Germany is surrounded by safe European Union states where migrants should seek refuge upon their initial arrival in Europe. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has announced that asylum seekers will be turned away at the border under specific conditions, with exemptions for children, pregnant women, and vulnerable individuals. Approximately 3,000 additional federal police officers will be deployed to support these measures.

The coalition government, comprising the center-right CDU/CSU alliance and the Social Democrats, is facing increased pressure due to rising migration and the growing popularity of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The AfD has been designated a "confirmed right-wing extremist" group by the country's domestic spy agency, although this label has been temporarily suspended pending a court ruling. Recent data indicates a decline in asylum claims in Germany, with 37,387 applications made in the first three months of the year, representing a 46% decrease compared to the same period last year.

The rejection measure has faced criticism from German politicians and neighboring EU countries, particularly Poland, which cited concerns about border congestion and the functioning of the EU's internal market. Marcel Emmerich, spokesperson for the Green Party, has denounced the move as "contrary to European law," arguing that it promotes isolation and unilateral action rather than cooperation. The Greens plan to raise questions in Parliament regarding the mandatory or discretionary nature of the measure and the treatment of vulnerable individuals.

CSU leader Markus Söder has downplayed concerns from other EU states, expressing confidence that the measure will receive support from Brussels. Söder emphasized that Germany is in a "special situation" due to the large number of migrants it has taken in, even without being legally obligated to do so under the European legal system. He also noted that the issue of migration in Europe has been plagued by "disorder for many years." Recent polls suggest that approximately two-thirds of Germans support the permanent controls.

Germany initially increased border controls during the COVID-19 pandemic and reintroduced temporary checks in September, allowing border officers to turn away individuals lacking proper entry documentation. Data from that period until the end of April revealed that 33,406 people were turned away from the land border, with many attempting to cross illegally or having been previously deported. The figures also included smugglers, extremists, and individuals with outstanding arrest warrants.