Immigration at the Core of the AfD Platform
Since its founding in 2013 — initially as a eurosceptic party — the AfD has gradually shifted its identity so that immigration and asylum policy now sit at the very centre of its political platform. Understanding exactly what the AfD advocates on this issue is essential for anyone following German politics.
The AfD's Core Immigration Positions
1. Mass Deportations and "Remigration"
The term Remigration — the large-scale return of migrants, including those with residency rights, to their countries of origin — became publicly controversial in early 2024 after a meeting in Potsdam where AfD-affiliated figures and far-right activists reportedly discussed such plans. The AfD officially uses this language in its policy documents, calling for the departure of individuals who have not integrated or whose asylum applications were rejected.
2. Strict Border Controls
The AfD calls for permanent controls on all of Germany's borders and an end to the Schengen-based freedom of movement as it applies to asylum seekers. The party argues that EU-level border policy has failed and Germany must act unilaterally if necessary.
3. Suspension of Asylum Rights
AfD's programme has at various points called for a fundamental restructuring of the right to asylum, arguing that the current constitutional and EU-law framework is incompatible with controlling migration volumes. Legal experts widely argue this would require constitutional amendments.
4. Opposition to Family Reunification
The party consistently opposes family reunification pathways for recognised refugees, arguing they serve as a secondary route for large-scale migration beyond the initial asylum seeker.
How Does This Compare to Other German Parties?
| Party | General Stance | Key Policy Difference from AfD |
|---|---|---|
| CDU/CSU | Conservative, tightened post-2023 | Supports legal migration; rejects "remigration" |
| SPD | Centre-left, integration focus | Emphasises humanitarian obligations |
| Greens | Pro-migration, humanitarian focus | Expand legal pathways; reject deportations |
| FDP | Skills-based migration emphasis | Legal, economic migration welcomed |
| AfD | Hardline restriction | Strict limits; remigration; border closures |
Legal and Constitutional Constraints
Many of the AfD's immigration proposals face substantial legal hurdles. Germany's Basic Law (Grundgesetz) includes strong protections related to human dignity and political asylum. EU membership also binds Germany to common asylum procedures. Legal scholars broadly agree that implementing the AfD's most radical proposals would require either constitutional reform or exiting the EU's asylum framework — both politically and legally complex processes.
The Political Impact of AfD's Immigration Focus
The AfD's persistent focus on immigration has had a measurable effect on German political discourse. Other parties have adopted tougher language and introduced stricter measures — particularly after high-profile incidents in 2024 — a dynamic that political scientists describe as "issue ownership" transfer. Critics argue this normalises the AfD's framing, while supporters of tighter controls say it reflects genuine voter concern.
Summary
The AfD's immigration platform is one of the most restrictive of any significant party in Western Europe. It combines hardline deportation rhetoric, structural opposition to EU asylum norms, and the politically charged concept of remigration. Whether these positions are achievable within Germany's legal framework remains a fundamental question for the party and its critics alike.