AfD Party Conference 2025: What It Means for Immigrants in Germany

Introduction

For anyone living in Germany as a foreigner — whether on a work visa, a residence permit, or in the asylum process — the political rise of the AfD is not an abstract news story. It is a development with real consequences for immigration policy, public discourse, and daily life. At its recent party conference in Erfurt, the AfD projected a deliberately unified and professional image, setting aside internal tensions between co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla ahead of upcoming elections. Understanding what the AfD stands for and how its growing influence shapes Germany's political landscape is essential context for any immigrant or expat living here.

What Happened at the Erfurt Conference?

According to commentators covering the event, the AfD's leadership made a conscious decision to suppress visible infighting at the Erfurt conference. Tensions between Weidel and Chrupalla — which have simmered for some time — were kept out of the public eye. The party's priority appears to be presenting a competent, election-ready face to voters rather than airing internal disputes that could undermine its appeal.

The move reflects a broader maturation in the AfD's political strategy. The party has learned from previous conferences where public disagreements damaged its image. Ahead of elections, discipline and message control are being prioritised.

The AfD's Policy Positions on Immigration

The AfD's platform on immigration is among the most restrictive of any major party in Germany. The party advocates for a fundamental change to Germany's asylum system, calling for the rejection of asylum applications at the border, the mass deportation of rejected asylum seekers and — controversially — what it has called the "remigration" of people with migration backgrounds, including those with legal residence status. These positions have been widely condemned by human rights organisations and legal experts, and some of the party's regional branches have been classified as proven right-wing extremist by Germany's domestic intelligence agency (Verfassungsschutz).

It is important to note that the AfD is currently in opposition at the federal level — it does not govern Germany and cannot unilaterally implement these policies. However, its electoral success has pushed mainstream parties to adopt tougher stances on migration, which has resulted in real policy changes.

How AfD Influence Has Already Shaped German Policy

The AfD's rise has had a measurable effect on Germany's immigration and asylum policies, even without the party holding government power. In recent years, Germany has tightened border controls, increased deportations, and accelerated the processing of asylum claims — moves that analysts broadly attribute, at least in part, to political pressure from the AfD's voter gains. The current coalition government has also introduced stricter rules around irregular migration and toughened the conditions for certain residence statuses.

For expats on employment-based visas or Blue Cards, these shifts have so far had limited direct impact — Germany's demand for skilled workers remains high and the legal framework for skilled migration has actually been liberalised in recent years through the Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz. However, the broader political climate shapes social attitudes, and expats — particularly those visibly from outside Europe — report experiencing a shift in public discourse around migration.

What This Means Practically for Immigrants

The AfD's political positioning matters for immigrants in Germany for several reasons. First, election results influence which coalition governments are formed and what policies they pursue. A stronger AfD result pushes mainstream parties further toward restrictive migration stances. Second, political discourse affects social attitudes: periods of intense anti-immigration rhetoric in the media and politics can coincide with increases in reported discrimination and hate incidents. Third, for those in more vulnerable immigration situations — asylum seekers, people with temporary toleration status (Duldung), or those whose permits are up for renewal — the policy environment matters directly.

None of this means that legal rights currently in place will disappear overnight. Germany has a strong rule of law and constitutional protections that limit what any government can do. But staying informed about the political landscape is a sensible part of managing life as an immigrant here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the AfD change my residence permit or visa status?

The AfD is currently in opposition at the federal level and does not control immigration policy. Existing legal rights under German and EU law remain in place. However, if electoral results lead to a government that includes or is influenced by AfD positions, future policy changes are possible. Always keep your residence documents up to date and consult your Ausländerbehörde for your specific situation.

Should I be concerned about my safety as an immigrant given the AfD's rhetoric?

Germany has seen increases in reported hate crimes in recent years, a trend that advocacy groups link in part to the normalisation of anti-immigration rhetoric. If you experience discrimination or a hate incident, you can report it to the police and also to civil society organisations such as the Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes (Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency). Your safety and rights matter, and there are official channels to support you.

Where can I follow reliable updates on German immigration policy changes?

The most reliable sources for official information are BAMF (bamf.de), the Federal Foreign Office (auswaertiges-amt.de), and the Federal Ministry of the Interior (bmi.bund.de). For independent analysis, outlets like tagesschau, Der Spiegel, and the Migration Policy Institute cover German immigration policy regularly.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The AfD's Erfurt conference is a reminder that immigration remains one of the most politically charged topics in Germany. For immigrants and expats, the practical takeaway is to stay informed, keep your documents in order, and know your rights. The political situation is fluid, but Germany's legal framework — including EU law protections — provides a stable foundation for those with valid residence status. If you have concerns about how political developments might affect your specific situation, speaking with a qualified immigration lawyer is always the most reliable step.

Source: tagesschau