Negotiators from Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU)/Christian Social Union (CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) are discussing significant revisions to the country's migration policy as part of coalition negotiations.

A draft proposal from the working group on internal affairs, law, migration, and integration indicates plans to expand the list of safe countries of origin, facilitating easier deportations.

Included in this list are Algeria, India, Morocco, and Tunisia, with an ongoing evaluation for further additions.

The proposal calls for the termination of voluntary resettlement programs managed by the federal government, particularly for individuals from Afghanistan, and the introduction of new programs is not currently anticipated.

Additionally, family reunification for those under subsidiary protection, often refugees from conflict zones, would be suspended for a period of two years, although exceptional cases are expected to remain unaffected.

The draft includes provisions for asylum seekers to be turned back at German borders in coordination with neighboring European nations, although the interpretation of this requirement, particularly regarding whether neighboring states would need to consent, remains a point of contention between the CDU/CSU and SPD.

There is a targeted increase in the number of deportations, and it is proposed that the mandatory legal assistance for those facing deportation would be abolished.

Furthermore, the Federal Police would be granted the authority to request temporary detention or deportation custody for foreigners obligated to leave the country, with plans for a long-term detention for individuals deemed dangerous by security authorities based on prior criminal activity.

Individuals convicted of serious crimes, particularly those involving violence against persons or sexual offenses, are expected to face deportation.

This policy would encompass a range of crimes, including aggravated assault, hate speech, and actions against law enforcement officials.

The SPD representatives have their own agenda, advocating for an extension of the chance residence permit, which allows individuals who have resided legally in Germany for a minimum of five years (with an initial cut-off date of October 31, 2022) to receive a trial residence permit for 18 months, a measure they wish to reintroduce with a new deadline of December 31, 2024.

Criticism has emerged regarding these proposals, with organizations like Amnesty International expressing concerns over potential erosion of the state's legal frameworks.

Opposition comments from political figures, such as Clara Bünger from the Left party, have characterized these policy shifts as paving the way for a 'humanitarian ice age' and as a break from fundamental constitutional principles.

The ongoing negotiations remain unsettled, as party leaders prepare to deliberate on these proposals starting this Friday, subject to financial constraints in the working group's suggestions.