On September 6, voters in Saxony-Anhalt head to the polls for a state election that could reshape the political landscape in one of Germany's eastern states. The AfD — a party with a consistently tough stance on immigration — is polling strongly and could achieve a historic result. For the roughly 20 million people with a migration background living in Germany, this election is more than a regional story. It raises real questions about belonging, safety, and the direction of immigration policy at both state and federal level. This guide breaks down what is actually happening, what the AfD's potential gains could mean in practice, and how migrants can stay informed and protected.
Saxony-Anhalt is one of Germany's 16 federal states (Bundesländer), located in the east-central part of the country. State governments control important areas of everyday life, including police, education, and local integration programs. They also influence how federal immigration laws are applied on the ground — for example, how Ausländerbehörde offices operate and how quickly Aufenthaltstitel applications are processed.
The AfD has been polling as one of the strongest parties in Saxony-Anhalt. If it achieves a leading or blocking position in the state parliament (Landtag), it could influence or obstruct integration programs, push for stricter local enforcement of immigration rules, and amplify anti-migration rhetoric that affects everyday life for foreigners in the state.
Importantly, a strong AfD result in a state election also sends a political signal nationally, potentially pushing other mainstream parties to adopt harder positions on immigration at the federal level.
For migrants already living in Saxony-Anhalt or elsewhere in Germany, several practical concerns are worth monitoring:
Integration programs and funding: State governments have influence over local Integrationskurs funding and the availability of language support. A government hostile to integration spending could reduce these resources over time.
Tone and climate: Research consistently shows that far-right electoral success correlates with increased experiences of discrimination and hostility toward people with a migration background. This is not a guaranteed outcome, but it is a documented pattern in Germany and across Europe.
Ausländerbehörde procedures: While federal law governs the core rules of residency, local Ausländerbehörde offices have discretion in how they handle appointments, documentation requests, and processing times. Political pressure at state level can influence these practices indirectly.
Sense of belonging and mental health: For many migrants, elections like this — regardless of the final result — trigger genuine anxiety about the future. This is a real and valid response to a shifting political environment.
The AfD has called for a fundamental halt to migration ("Remigration" is a term the party and its allies have used), stricter enforcement of deportation rules, and the abolition of certain social benefits for asylum seekers. At state level, the party cannot unilaterally change federal immigration law, but it can shape the local political conversation and use any governing role to push these positions.
It is worth noting that forming a coalition government with the AfD remains officially off-limits for Germany's mainstream parties under current agreements. However, blocking minorities in parliament can still be used to obstruct legislation, budgets, and integration-related spending.
No. Your residence permit is governed by federal law — specifically the Aufenthaltsgesetz — and cannot be changed or revoked by a state election result. BAMF (the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) operates at the federal level. Your existing rights are not directly altered by how Saxony-Anhalt votes.
This is a personal question that depends on your circumstances, location, and background. What is documented is that discrimination and hate incidents can increase in environments where far-right parties gain prominence. If you experience discrimination or a hate crime in Germany, you can report it to the police and to civil society organizations such as the Amadeu Antonio Foundation or the RIAS (Registry of Antisemitic and anti-Muslim Incidents). Your rights as a resident do not change based on election results.
Indirectly, yes. German state elections are closely watched as indicators of national political mood. A strong AfD result can influence how federal politicians — including members of the governing coalition — talk about and legislate on immigration. It is worth staying informed regardless of where in Germany you live.
For questions about your specific residence status, always consult a qualified immigration lawyer (Fachanwalt für Ausländerrecht) or a recognized migration counseling service (Migrationsberatung). BAMF's official website also provides updated information on rights and procedures.
The Saxony-Anhalt election is an important moment to watch, both for what it says about the political climate in eastern Germany and for the signals it may send nationally. If you live in Germany with a migration background, your legal rights remain protected by federal law regardless of this result. However, staying informed, knowing your rights, and connecting with support organizations in your area is always a smart move — especially in periods of political uncertainty.
If you have concerns about your specific situation, reach out to your local Ausländerbehörde, a qualified immigration lawyer, or BAMF directly for guidance.
Source: DW English
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