A significant decline in asylum applications and irregular border crossings is being reported in Germany, sparking a complex political debate surrounding immigration policy and its perceived effectiveness. According to a letter from Günter Krings, Deputy Chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, shared with Union parliamentarians and confirmed by relevant authorities, approximately 21,000 individuals have been denied entry at German borders since May 7th, 2025, including over 1,000 asylum seekers.
The data reveals a broader trend of reduced irregular migration. Federal Police apprehended 954 suspected human traffickers during the same period, alongside the execution of 5,309 outstanding arrest warrants – illustrating a simultaneous crackdown on both irregular migration and related criminal activities. November 2025 saw 4,697 instances of detected illegal entries, a decrease of roughly 24% compared to November 2024’s 6,153.
Perhaps the most striking statistic highlights the dramatic drop in asylum applications. Between January and November 2025, 106,298 asylum requests were registered – a staggering reduction compared to the 216,861 applications filed during the same period in 2024. This represents a nearly two-thirds decrease from the 304,581 initial applications recorded up to November 2023.
While the ruling coalition, particularly the conservative factions, is likely to tout these figures as a testament to stricter border controls and tightened asylum procedures, critics question whether the reduction is sustainable and at what cost. Concerns linger regarding potential pushback effects, increased vulnerability for asylum seekers attempting to enter through less formal channels and the potential for exploitation by criminal networks.
Furthermore, analysts are debating whether the decline reflects genuinely improved border security or a consequence of shifting migration routes influenced by international factors and restrictive policies in neighboring countries. The long-term implications of this drop in asylum applications, particularly concerning demographic shifts and labor market needs, are also subjects of ongoing discussion within German political circles. Political opponents are already calling for an examination of whether the focus should now shift towards integration and support for existing asylum seekers, rather than solely prioritizing border security measures.