A draft immigration law prepared in collaboration between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) parties in Germany was rejected by a narrow margin in the Bundestag with 338 votes in favor, 349 against, and 5 abstentions.

A bill presented by CDU leader Friedrich Merz and aiming to tighten immigration policies was brought to parliament with the support of the AfD. This collaboration was considered a violation of the principle of not cooperating with far-right parties, which has long been applied in German politics, and it had a wide repercussion in the public opinion.

The bill envisaged restricting the family reunification rights of refugees with subsidiary protection status and granting the federal police greater powers over refugees who will be deported. However, it faced fierce opposition, especially from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Green Party (Die Grünen). SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich said to Merz, “This shame will be remembered forever.”

This development is of great importance for immigrants and academia in Germany. The tightening of immigration policies could create obstacles for international students and academics who want to study or work in Germany. It could also negatively affect the integration processes of existing immigrants.

On the other hand, the CDU’s cooperation with the AfD indicates a significant change in Germany’s political culture. This situation is questioning the country’s democratic values and traditional boundaries between political parties.

While the rejection of the immigration bill provides relief for immigrants and academics in Germany, the cooperation between the CDU and the AfD seems to have profound effects on the country’s political future and social dynamics.