CDU on migration and integration

The CDU wants to continue and tighten the federal government's course on limiting migration. The goal is to bring irregular migration down to zero; admission programs are to end and family reunification for people with subsidiary protection is to stay suspended.

The CDU wants fewer people to come to the country without permission. In the end, that number should be zero. Voluntary admission programs should end. Some refugees should still not be allowed to bring their families. Asylum cases should be handled at the EU border.

The platform points to falling asylum numbers in 2025 as proof that the measures work and ease the burden on municipalities. The CDU calls on the federal government to make even greater efforts. Asylum procedures are to take place at the EU's external borders where possible. Within the state, the payment card, centralized initial reception, faster procedures and well-functioning immigration offices are to be secured for the long term and developed further. As steps already taken, the platform cites the payment card with a 50-euro cash limit and the closure of several reception sites.

The CDU wants to deport people who are required to leave if they do not go voluntarily and calls on the federal government to enable deportations to Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. Syria and Iraq are to be declared safe countries of origin through an initiative in the Bundesrat (the chamber of the states).

People with no right to stay should leave the country. The CDU wants to deport them if they do not leave by themselves. This should also apply to Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. Syria and Iraq should count as safe countries. Then asylum cases move faster.

Classifying the two countries as safe countries of origin is meant to create the legal basis for faster procedures and more returns. The state plans to open a new pre-deportation detention facility in 2027. The CDU wants to keep taking a hard line against foreign offenders and people considered security threats. At the federal level, it is pushing for a legally sound plan that allows returns in large numbers and removes obstacles to enforcement. Where the reasons for fleeing no longer apply, people are to return.

The CDU says foreigners who work, integrate, support themselves and share the country's values are welcome. It rejects xenophobia and blanket suspicion; at the same time, society's capacity to integrate newcomers is to set the limit for immigration.

The CDU says: People who work and fit in are welcome. The CDU rejects hatred of foreigners. People from other countries work in many businesses and hospitals. But only as many should come as the country can take in well.

The platform calls people with a migration background a firm part of society. According to the CDU, many hospitals, trade businesses, companies and restaurants would not function without them. The party rejects hatred, incitement and blanket suspicion. It ties the upper limit for managed immigration to how much integration society can handle.