German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has praised tightened border controls and the rejection of asylum seekers at Germany’s frontiers as a success in migration policy, despite ongoing legal challenges and criticism over costs.
10,000 Rejections Since May
Speaking to Stern, the CSU politician called the rejections a “highly effective measure,” noting that since May 8, more than 10,000 people had been turned back at the border, including around 550 who had sought asylum. Overall, he said, over 30,000 individuals had been rejected at German borders since stricter controls were introduced.
Dobrindt argued the policy has helped cut irregular migration by half, adding: “In the European comparison, Germany is no longer the top destination but now ranks third. That is a significant success.”
Court Challenges and Legal Concerns
Critics point to serious doubts about the legality of these rejections. Earlier this summer, a group of refugees successfully challenged their expulsion at the Berlin Administrative Court. Judges ruled that under the EU’s Dublin Regulation, Germany is obliged to carry out full procedures to determine which member state is responsible for asylum claims.
The Interior Ministry dismissed the ruling as an isolated case. Dobrindt defended his approach, saying politics must be able to adapt to new challenges: “Otherwise, we risk paving the way for radical parties.”
High Costs and Opposition Criticism
Beyond legal disputes, the policy has faced criticism for its expense. According to official figures, the intensified border controls cost more than €80 million between September 2024 and June 2025—mostly for police overtime. The opposition Greens and Left Party have labeled the policy disproportionate, while the German Police Union has questioned whether the scale of the effort is justified by the relatively small number of rejections.
Despite the controversy, Dobrindt remains firm. For him, the rejections are not just symbolic but central to reshaping Germany’s migration strategy. tagesschau.de
