For immigrants and expats living in Germany, proposals by the far-right AfD party on migration can be a source of real anxiety. But how much of what the AfD promises could actually become law? A new analysis of the AfD's government programme for the state of Saxony-Anhalt offers some important perspective: two thirds of the party's proposed migration measures would reportedly not be legally implementable at all. Understanding the gap between political rhetoric and legal reality is essential for anyone trying to assess what these proposals actually mean for their life in Germany.
The AfD in Saxony-Anhalt announced what it described as a 'migration policy U-turn' as part of its government programme. The party set out a large number of individual measures aimed at significantly tightening migration policy in the state. The scope of the proposals was presented as a comprehensive shift in direction on migration.
These kinds of announcements are often prominent in election campaigns and can understandably cause concern among people with a migration background, those on residence permits, or anyone whose legal status in Germany touches on immigration law.
According to reporting by tagesschau, an analysis of these proposals concluded that two thirds of the AfD's planned migration measures would not be legally enforceable. In other words, even if the AfD were in a position to attempt to implement its programme, the majority of its specific migration proposals could not actually be carried out under existing law.
This matters because German law — including constitutional protections, EU law, and international obligations — places significant constraints on what any state government can do in the area of migration and residency. Many competencies in this area also sit at the federal level, not the state level, which further limits what a state government can unilaterally enact.
For people living in Germany with a residence permit, a work visa, or in the process of applying for permanent residency or citizenship, the practical takeaway is that the distance between a political party's stated programme and what can actually be legislated or enforced is often very large.
German law provides a framework of rights and protections that cannot simply be overridden by a state government, regardless of which party is in power. That said, policy shifts — even partial ones — can affect processes, waiting times at the Ausländerbehörde, administrative priorities, and the political climate more broadly. It is always worth staying informed and, if you have specific concerns about your status, consulting a qualified immigration lawyer or contacting your local Ausländerbehörde.
Core aspects of immigration and residence law in Germany are governed at the federal level, meaning a single state government has limited power to fundamentally alter the rules. However, state-level decisions can influence how rules are applied locally. If you have concerns about your specific situation, consult an immigration lawyer or your Ausländerbehörde for guidance tailored to your case.
Not exactly. While the analysis suggests two thirds of the specific measures in Saxony-Anhalt's AfD programme would be legally unenforceable, it does not mean all proposals are without consequence. Political pressure, changes to administrative practice, and shifts at the federal level can still have real effects. Staying informed about policy developments remains important.
BAMF (the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) is the main official authority on migration and asylum matters. For legal advice specific to your situation, an accredited immigration lawyer is the appropriate contact. Migrant advice centres and integration support organisations can also point you to resources.
The analysis of the AfD's Saxony-Anhalt programme is a useful reminder that political promises — especially on migration — often collide with legal reality. Two thirds of the proposed measures reportedly could not be enacted. That does not mean the political climate is irrelevant to immigrants' lives, but it does mean alarmist readings of party programmes should be weighed carefully against what is actually legally possible.
If you are concerned about how political developments in Germany might affect your residency or status, the best step is to get personalised, up-to-date advice from a qualified immigration lawyer or from BAMF.
Source: tagesschau
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