The German parliament on Wednesday passed a motion that was put forward by CDU, the Christian Social Union in Bavaria (CSU), and the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD). It came after a deadly attack by an Afghan asylum seeker whose application had been rejected.
“I was also involved in that project. The project had 5 points, now the German people say no one should come to Germany because crime has increased significantly. Also, extremism has increased in Schleswig-Holstein,” Seyran Papo, a lawmaker for Schleswig-Holstein, told Rudaw.
The bill that was passed contained five points: preventing illegal immigration, deporting illegal immigrants, deporting foreign criminals, imprisoning immigrants who must leave Germany, and ending family reunification.
Regarding the newly passed motion and the stricter immigration rules, Papo stated that "those who are qualified should come."
“We want to accept those who are fleeing from war and are genuine refugees, we want to accept those who are talented, we can also accept Kurdish youth who can be productive here, and we want to accept those who truly need protection,” she added.
Papo emphasized that her party has never had a coalition with the AfD.
“Many might say that CDU has extended its hand to AfD and asked for cooperation. We initiated an effort and visited two parties. We wanted to reach a democratic agreement, but it didn't work out. So CDU showed its persistence and said it will take its steps regardless, but we didn't ask AfD to come and do this together,” Papo said.
Tens of thousands of mostly young people leave Iraq and the Kurdistan Region for Europe annually in search of a better life, using smuggling routes. Many hope to settle in Germany.
