Germany's center-right alliance has asked Berlin to slow down irregular migrant entries and to speed up asylum decision and deportation processes. One politician criticized the CDU/CSU parliamentary group for making such a demand just after more than 60 migrants lost their lives at sea off the coast of Italy.
With just a month to go before German elections, some fear that the crisis in Afghanistan - and a possible influx of Afghans in Germany - could lead to an anti-migrant backlash, putting the next government under pressure to adopt tougher refugee policies.
Just weeks before a general election, German politicians are worried that large numbers of Afghan refugees might make their way to Europe. The wave of mostly Syrian refugees who came in 2015 still haunts German politics.
Higher numbers of asylum seekers lead to greater support for right-wing political parties, researchers in Germany say. One study found that housing asylum seekers in reception centers gives anti-migrant parties a boost at the ballot box.
Reactions to the terrorist attack in the Austrian capital Vienna on Monday have largely steered clear of the migration issue. But some, including Germany's far-right party, say several recent terrorist attacks in Europe show migration routes should be closed.
Christian Lüth is alleged to have said Germany should take in more migrants, as it would be "better" for the far-right AfD. The longtime spokesman is reported to have added "we can always shoot or gas them later."
Germany’s anti-migrant AfD party has welcomed one aspect of the restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic, namely border controls.
Senior German Cardinal Reinhard Marx donated €50,000 to a charity that supports migrant rescues at sea. Germany's far-right AfD has demanded an explanation, arguing such sea missions boost business for people smugglers.
Members of Germany's far-right populist AfD visited Syria to prove that the country is a "safe country of origin" for migrants. They also aim to increase economic ties between Germany and the war-torn country.
AfD politicians will travel to Syria in an attempt to show that it can be classified as a "safe country of origin," according to a report. They also plan a media campaign to facilitate "remigration" of Syrian refugees.
Germany's third-largest party, Alternative for Germany, seems set to become 'number one in the east' following state elections in the next few months. The party members are known for making controversial remarks, but what are the AfD's actual policies on migration and refugees?
AfD politicians hope to use the group to combat the far-right party's xenophobic image ahead of key elections. The message is that all are welcome — so long as you agree to "an end to illegal mass immigration."