Wiesenburg's mayor fights for migrants!

Wiesenburg's mayor fights for migrants!

Saale-Orla-Kreis, Deutschland - The discussion about improved right to stay for migrants and deportations in Germany continues to pick up speed. In particular, Marco Beckendorf, Mayor of Wiesenburg/Mark and member of the Left, ensured a conversation with his proposal to introduce a “GreenCard” model. This model could secure migrants who are willing to integrate who earn their own livelihood. Beckendorf argues that many migrants want to build a new life in Germany and criticizes the existing practice, according to which integrated people threatens to deportation. "Why can't municipalities decide who can stay?" He asks in the current debate. [FR.DE reports that…] (https://www.fr.de/politik/greenCard-modell-statt-Abuschiebung-buermeister-will-bleberecht-fuer- migranten-93831462.html)

The numbers are alarming. 6,151 people were deported in the first quarter of 2025, which corresponds to an increase of 28.4 % compared to the previous year. The federal government plans to carry out over 24,000 deportations this year - a clear increase compared to previous years. These hard measures are in the context of an increasingly tense political situation, which is heated by social debates and by the AfD election sequence. [Dinstitut notes that…] (https://www.dinstitut.de/abschiebung-ohne-vorwarlung-wei-und-der-menschliche-preis-in-Deutschland/)

The risks of deportation

In order not to undermine the integration efforts, it is extremely important to consider the human risks that these abrupt deportations bring. Deportations without warning not only cause fear in migrant families, but can also have serious psychological consequences, especially for children. Human rights groups warn that this practice endangers trust in society and has a negative impact on integration.

Beckendorf is not solely with his demands. However, he faces critical voices, including Christian Herrgott, district administrator in the Thuringian Saale-Orla district and member of the CDU. Herrgott describes Beckendorf's proposal as "very, very difficult" and emphasizes that the final decisions about deportations should be at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. The introduction of an obligation to work for asylum seekers has already borne fruits because he reports on a high integration quota. However, Beckendorf rejects this obligation to work and sees it as "forced labor". [FR.DE also reports that ...] (https://www.fr.de/politik/greencard-modell-statt-statt-buermeister-will-bleberecht-fuer- migranten-93831462.html)

A look at the migration numbers

The migration in Germany is largely influenced by political decisions and global events. In 2021, immigration to Germany rose by 11.5 % compared to 2020. In the first months of 2025, the decline in asylum applications was particularly striking by 43 % compared to the previous year, which was favored by the tightened border controls and stricter deportation policy. Bamf emphasizes that ...

With all of these developments, it is clear that the debate about migration and integration in Germany is complex and complex. It remains to be seen whether Beckendorf's suggestions are heard, but the voices that demand a rethink in refugee policy are getting louder. The balancing act between order and humanitarian responsibilities will surely be a hotly discussed topic on the political agenda for a long time.