AfD Eyes Government Power: What It Means for Immigrants in Germany

Introduction

At the close of their national party congress held in Erfurt, AfD co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla made their political ambitions unmistakably clear: the party wants to move "from opposition into government." In the short term, that means pursuing coalition roles in German state parliaments; in the longer term, they are targeting federal government participation after the 2029 federal election. For the millions of expats and immigrants living in Germany, understanding what this means — and what it does not yet mean — is essential for planning your life here.

What the AfD Congress Actually Decided

The congress, held over the weekend in Erfurt, Thuringia, served primarily as a platform for consolidating the party's direction ahead of upcoming state elections. Weidel and Chrupalla presented a unified leadership front, though Weidel did publicly criticize one state branch over comments related to family values, signaling internal tensions the party is working to manage.

The AfD is currently the second-largest party in the Bundestag following the February 2025 federal election. It already participates in governing coalitions in several eastern German states, giving it real — if limited — policy influence at the regional level. The federal government, however, is led by a CDU/CSU-SPD coalition, and all major mainstream parties have so far maintained a so-called "firewall" (Brandmauer) against governing with the AfD at federal level.

AfD's Immigration Platform and What It Could Mean

The AfD's official platform calls for significantly stricter immigration controls, including: pushing for large-scale deportations including to countries currently considered unsafe, ending what they call "migration-driven" social benefit payments, restricting access to Bürgergeld and Kindergeld for non-EU nationals, and tightening requirements for Einbürgerung (naturalization).

It is important to note that as of mid-2025, these remain campaign positions, not enacted law. Immigration law in Germany is set at the federal level, and changes require a parliamentary majority. The current coalition has its own immigration reforms underway — some restrictive, some enabling — but these are separate from AfD proposals.

However, the AfD's growing political weight does influence the broader debate. Some measures pushed by mainstream parties in recent months — such as stricter border controls and faster deportation procedures — have been shaped partly in response to AfD electoral pressure.

What This Means for Your Daily Life Right Now

For most expats and immigrants currently living legally in Germany, your existing rights, permits, and entitlements are governed by current law and are not immediately affected by party congress speeches. Your Aufenthaltstitel, your right to work, your access to Krankenversicherung — none of these change because of a party convention.

What is worth monitoring is the legislative calendar. If the AfD enters more state coalitions, they gain influence over how federal immigration law is implemented locally — for example, how Ausländerbehörde offices process applications, or how Integrationskurs capacities are managed. These are slower, structural changes rather than overnight shifts.

For those planning long-term steps — such as applying for a Niederlassungserlaubnis or beginning the Einbürgerung process — the general advice from legal experts is: do not delay applications based on political speculation. Work within the current legal framework and complete your steps as soon as you are eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could the AfD change immigration law if they enter government after 2029?

In theory, a party in federal government can propose and push for legislative changes. In practice, Germany's coalition system means no single party governs alone. Any changes to immigration law would require majority support in the Bundestag, and potentially the Bundesrat. Legal changes also take time to pass, are subject to constitutional review, and EU law sets a floor of rights that cannot be removed by national legislation alone. That said, political environments do shift, and staying informed is always wise.

Should I speed up my naturalization or residency application because of this news?

This is a personal decision, and we strongly recommend consulting a qualified immigration lawyer (Fachanwalt für Ausländerrecht) for advice tailored to your situation. As a general principle, if you are already eligible for Einbürgerung or a Niederlassungserlaubnis, applying sooner rather than later is sensible — not out of panic, but simply because completing your legal steps when you qualify protects your position regardless of future political changes.

Where can I find reliable information about my rights as a foreigner in Germany?

The official sources are BAMF (the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) at bamf.de, your local Ausländerbehörde, and registered migration counseling services (Migrationsberatung). For legal questions, the Deutscher Anwaltverein (German Bar Association) has a lawyer-search tool.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The AfD's congress signals continued political ambition, but it does not represent an immediate change to immigration law or your rights in Germany today. The most practical response is to stay informed, track legislative developments through reliable sources, and ensure your own paperwork and status are in order. If you have pending applications or upcoming permit renewals, prioritize those — not because of any specific political threat, but because being proactive with German bureaucracy is always in your best interest.

Source: Tagesschau