Germany’s pro-migration Social Democrats (SPD) faction is pushing bold changes to the country’s immigration policies, demanding an influx of 500,000 skilled workers annually and automatic citizenship for long-term residents. They argue these measures will help fill labor shortages and address demographic shifts.
The SPD’s Migration and Diversity Working Group wants to move away from the stricter policies championed by the CDU, Germany’s conservative bloc. Their proposal includes a federal skilled worker program that would prioritize qualified migrants and asylum seekers with the potential to gain relevant skills. They also advocate offering a pathway to legal residency for undocumented individuals, rather than deporting them, except in cases of repeat criminal offenses or social system abuse.
A New Ministry for Migration?
To better integrate newcomers, the group suggests creating a Ministry for Migration and Social Participation, despite Germany already having multiple agencies, NGOs, and ministries dedicated to this issue. They also propose that anyone living in Germany for 25 years should automatically receive citizenship—unless they actively decline.
However, despite these ambitious proposals, the SPD’s coalition with the CDU has already agreed on a more restrictive immigration framework, meaning the migration working group’s influence may be limited.
Criticism of Current Policy
Aziz Bozkurt, head of the SPD’s migration working group, criticized the government’s approach, claiming it lacks evidence and relies on political instincts rather than facts. He argued that shutting down legal immigration pathways, such as family reunification programs, would only hinder integration efforts.
While it’s unclear how much sway the group will have in shaping national policy, their push for an overhaul signals ongoing tensions within Germany’s ruling coalition on how best to handle migration.
